What Are 10 Good Cybersecurity Practices?

by Jessica Wilson Blog Writer

Cyber-attacks and cybercrimes costs are expected to grow by 15 percent per year for the next five years. These crimes are low-risk that affect the whole world every year. And while people continue to connect in your company, these threats will increase. Luckily, you can escape being part of the next wave by staying on guard. Even though your company has comprehensive policies to be followed, you need to become more cyber aware. But before you decide to fight this issue, you must learn some helpful hints.

To help you improve security practices, here is a list of the best tips that you and your employees can follow.

Better passwords and multi-factor authentication

Do not assume no one can guess your mother’s birthday. Cyber thieves have great algorithms that can know your password within seconds. While the traditional password advice requires you to use a password of 8 characters, consisting of numbers, symbols, and capital and lowercase letters, it’s wise to develop a two-factor or multi-factor authentication.

Keep your software up-to-date

Always ensure you have installed the latest security updates on all of your devices at work. However, ensure you turn on Automatic Updates for your operating system. Utilize web browsers such as Firefox or Chrome and keep browser plug-ins updated.

Avoid pop-ups, strange emails, and funny-looking links

Phishers usually trick people by clicking on a suspicious link that may lead to a security breach. They prey on people hoping that they will open the pop-up windows or links that can cause viruses. This is why you need to be keen on such links and attachments.

Use a secure file sharing solution

While the files you are sharing are secure, the tools you will use to share them as critical. You should adopt a secure sharing location that will not allow unauthorized access to your files.

Scan external storage devices for viruses

Just as internal storage devices, external storage devices are prone to malware. If an infected device is plugged into any of your computers, the virus can spread. Therefore, ensure you scan the external devices for any virus and reach out to a cyber security advisor for extra help if needed.

Remove adware from your machines

Adware acknowledges data about you so that they can serve you targeted ads. It’s therefore essential that you remove all kinds of adware to keep your privacy. You can use anti-adware to clean the available adware and other unwanted programs.

Back up important information

Your software can fail or acquire a virus, and you can find yourself in a situation where you can’t access your storage. Therefore, to avoid such cases, it’s important that you back up any critical information regularly.

Avoid using public networks

If you connect to any public network, you will be sharing the network with anyone else who has connected. Any information you share or retrieve is vulnerable. Do not connect to any public network or utilize a VPN if you are connected.

Improve employee awareness of security

Hold occasional lessons to teach your employees cybersecurity. Some people may see this as wasting time, but they are essential as the employees will understand the importance of security.

Have a plan

Attacks may happen even if you have worked hard to give cybersecurity protection. Therefore, you should be prepared in case they happen to keep your system and application in place. You can also look for a cyber-security advisor for more guidance.

With the above tips, you can strengthen your company’s weaknesses. And remember, if you aren’t sure about anything, you can always ask for help from your cyber security advisor.