• By Admin
• 14 Nov, 2022

Evading Cyber Attacks and Threat Actors

Evading Cyber Attacks and Threat Actors

Practicing sound company-wide cybersecurity shouldn’t be up for discussion any longer. Cybersecurity practices need to be in force across the company protecting your business and your clients from bad actors and devastating loss. Without a policy, the risk to your company is dire.

Just like locking your doors at night and setting the alarm, a sound cybersecurity process will keep your business safe, thwart threats, give your clients confidence, and enable you to operate with a sense of assurance.

Small Businesses Exposed to Cyberthreats
Many small businesses are not fully aware of their exposure to cyberthreats. They are living on hope and a prayer. And by the time they find out they’ve been hacked, it’s too late—the stolen information has been sold! Cyber Hackers use malware to take control of your system and mine it for your customers names, their credit card/payment information, and social security information. Or your employees’ and clients’ email addresses may be used for phishing, attempting to extort them. With access to their names, physical addresses, and social security information, bad actors can fraudulently open credit cards and other lines of credit that your customers and employees could be liable for.

Basic Cybersecurity Procedures
If you’ve built your company’s network and system over time, it probably has vulnerabilities. Have a cybersecurity expert review it.

• Use firewalls. Be sure these are turned on in routers and other systems.
• Keep updated. Programs and devices should be updated regularly or you’re leaving your business open to bad actors. Running an old version of Windows isn’t safe, for example.
• Keep your hardware up to date. You may be trying to save money, but old computers are easier to hack.
• Always update your software. This practice will also lessen the chances of your system being compromised.
• Be sure you have the latest network cabling.
• Free WIFI is an opportunity for the bad guy. Your business needs a secure internet that prevents hackers.

Teach Employees Cybersecurity Practices

Teach your employees cybersecurity and have practices everyone follows. The more awareness, the better. Make it a part of your company’s culture. Businesses should distribute training documents and guidelines to follow, and provide actual employee training.

For all employees, be sure to…

• Use strong passwords. No more kids’ names or easy phrases. Instead select letters, numbers, symbols that are unique for each account. Or use a password manager.
• Not leave passwords on your desk where they can easily be seen. This means no typed lists, sticky notes, or handwritten reminders. People stop by businesses and pretend to be sales or service representatives or may ask for directions or help when they are really scanning your workspace for passwords. It only takes a few seconds to memorize simple passwords or to snap a photo of your desk when you step away.
• Keep work and personal life separate. Don’t check personal sites or email from business accounts. 
• Not click links. Avoid clicking links in emails. 
• Back-up the back-up. Make this a regular procedure.
• Cybersecurity May Affect Insurance Rates
• Insurance companies now sell cyber risk liability insurance. In fact, your insurance company may provide you with lower rates if you implement a company-wide cybersecurity plan. Check in with your insurer to see if a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, such as a custom plan from Suisse Associates, might mean a more favorable rating.

Find out if your company is vulnerable to cyber-attacks and how to eliminate them. Click here to arrange a free cybersecurity assessment.