Many businesses ask us, “why is cyber security a top priority now?” Across the nation, even the smallest businesses are finding that online threats such as cyber criminals and data brokers are a real, common threat. This is why cyber security is a top priority now. Infrastructure integrity is something that businesses need to know if they want to ensure their online safety. When you hear the phrase infrastructure integrity, it refers to the set-up that you have which promotes safety and security; this set up includes firewalls, anti-virus software and, backups. Let’s learn more about why cyber security is a top priority in 2021.
Making Cybersecurity a Top Priority Now
If your business hasn’t invested in cybersecurity companies yet, you’re putting your sensitive data at risk. Here is how you can make cybersecurity a priority to keep your business safe from online threats.
Restrict and Control Access to Your Networks
One of the main reasons that online threats penetrate a business’s network security system is because of unrestricted access and control to networks. Cyber criminals can take advantage of these poorly secured networks to steal personal data, and the average cost of even a single breach thanks to ransomware and poor password usage is around one million dollars.
The best way to avoid this is by making sure that each employee has their own account and passwords for critical processes while refraining from sharing this information with anybody. Your company should also set up appropriate levels of access for employees so that junior employees can’t have access to more important financial records, client information, or trade secrets this information should be strictly for senior employees.
We recommend all employees use a password manager. Password managers create and store your long and complex passwords for you. Not only will it make your organization more secure, but it will make keeping track of passwords easier than ever.
Run Break-In Drills
Just like schools conduct run fire and earthquake drills, cybersecurity companies should be running mock break-ins to keep companies on their toes. Your company should be engaging with cybersecurity companies for penetration testing, in which professionals will attempt to gain access to your networks, under supervision of course.
We recommend you do security and risk assessments twice a year. Security and risk assessments give you a sense of your strengths and weaknesses, and to provide advice as to what improvements you should be considering.
Keep Your Applications and Software Updated
It’s important to keep software updated so that it effectively fights off new threats. If you fail to keep your operating systems and applications up-to-date, you’re running intense risks; it’s like leaving your home unlocked, someone can break in at any moment. There are new methods of hacking being discovered every day, and your systems need to be updated to fight new threats.
This is why we recommend MEDR (managed endpoint detection and response) over store-bought antivirus. Antivirus cannot keep up with the new threats coming out every single day, with new threats coming out too quick for your antivirus to keep up, you’re left vulnerable.
MEDR uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to stop any anomalies found suspicious, stopping the widest array of threats. Check out this article on ‘Why Antivirus Isn’t Enough’.
So, Why is Cyber Security a Top Priority Now?
Making cybersecurity a priority is the best way to ensure your businesses’ online security, and the solutions that we offer here at Kirkham.IT are some of the most reliable and effective forms of cybersecurity around. Contact us if you want to take the next step in your cybersecurity endeavors or are interested in a security and risk assessment.
Get in Touch:
479.242.2811
sales@kirkham.it
www.kirkham.it
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