Over recent months we have seen some major breeches in security with large firms and Governments which begs the question of how can I secure my business when even big corporations and govt departments cant.
If you look at how they got hacked it reveals most of the points you can control. lets have a look at them one by one.
Most attacks on your business will be by a bot trying to get entry and looking for an entry point and if it cant find one simply moves on. Your goal is to keep the door shut.
Update Your Software and OS
A huge number of attacks where through old software like Operating Systems not being kept up to date. In a recent attack on small business by a ransom ware attack it was found that nearly all people affected had not updated there operating systems. This applies to windows as well as Macintosh devices. Macs used to be immune because of the small market share but as it grows so do the threats.
Passwords Security
Most of us access the public digital world via broadband Internet and hence use a router to connect. These usually come with a default password of admin/admin which to a hacker bot is an invitation to enter. 123 and abc are other invitation to enter email and computer accounts. Setting up strong passwords can be easy and secure all your online accounts and projects.
Email Hacks
For businesses the way a hacker will mostly get access is through your email account especially where there are two or more people access emails. They usually do this with a test pixel file and then a full virus which can do anything from destroying info to giving access to data.
If an email has an attachment make sure you scan it before opening. I personally use Gmail and rout all my emails both business and personal through it because it checks them all and also acts as a intermediary so they cannot see my computer.
If you use a software program on your computer make sure you keep it up to date and patched.
Anti Virus Software
This is a given that you have up to date and a strong anti virus software package. Obviously a paid version is a lot better than a free program for work. Paid versions usually also provide a wider range of tools and protections.
VPN Software
A VPN or Virtual Private Network is a method used to add security and privacy to private and public networks, like WiFi Hotspots and the Internet. VPNs are most often used by corporations to protect sensitive data. However, using a personal VPN is increasingly becoming more popular as more interactions that were previously face-to-face transition to the Internet.
Privacy is increased with a VPN because the user’s initial IP address is replaced with one from the VPN provider. This method allows subscribers to attain an IP address from any gateway city the VPN service provides. For instance, you may live in San Francisco, but with a VPN, you can appear to live in Amsterdam, New York, or any number of gateway cities.
Here in Australia the Govt now collects all our online information and this will increase your privacy.