Cybersecurity refers to the practices, technologies, and policies that are specifically designed to avoid and prevent cyberattacks. They are also designed to mitigate the impact of cyberattacks.
The primary aim of cybersecurity is to protect devices, applications, data, computer systems, and business staff from threats like data theft, malware, phishing scams, and other cyber-related attacks.
Cybersecurity is especially important in the business sector. Small and large businesses would benefit significantly from cybersecurity practices. This is because businesses face a lot of dangers. Some common cyberattacks on businesses are:
- Malware – Things like viruses, spyware, worms, and the likes, that are designed to harm your computer, business devices, network, or servers.
- Phishing – Attacks that rely on communication models like email to convince people to open harmful links or messages that help attackers gain access to sensitive business data.
- Spoofing – An attack that aims to trick people into divulging sensitive business information.
- Backdoor Trojan – An attack that involves malicious programs intended to give attacks a backdoor into your computer system so they can hijack your devices.
- Ransomware – Malicious programs and software that can deny you access to your business devices until you pay the attackers a ransom.
- Denial-of-service attacks – These ones can cause an entire device or system to crash and shut down by overwhelming it with traffic.
Some Basic Cybersecurity Practices for Businesses
The types of cyberattacks mentioned above are a drop in the ocean compared to the actual number of attacks that attackers can put your business through.
These attacks can cause you to lose clients, lose money, and even get you in legal trouble. For instance, Denial-of-service attacks can cost you time and money by keeping you from providing paying clients with services.
Also, attacks on clients’ and vendors’ information can result in lawsuits, which can damage a business’ brand and cause financial losses. Therefore, cybersecurity practices are very important for small and large businesses.
So, how can a business avoid cyberattacks? Below are some things you can do to minimize the risks of cyberattacks on your business:
1. Protect your Devices and Files
Running a business includes keeping files and records of things like your clients’ information, financial documents, and more. If such files get into the wrong hands, it can be detrimental for your business.
For instance, if intruders or scammers get their hands on your clients’ information, it can result in lawsuits from your clients, loss of business, and even a lot of damage to your brand. Therefore, as a business, you have to be very vigilant with protecting your corporate files.
You can start by storing your files safely on devices like computers instead of file cabinets that anyone can easily get into. Storing data on devices like computers also makes it easy for you to manage them and locate specific documents easily.
However, storing your files on computers with passwords is not enough. To prevent cyberattacks, you can protect your business devices by using antivirus software. With an antivirus, you can prevent attackers from targeting your devices using viruses and malware.
Other than using an antivirus, you can protect your business devices and files by also doing the following:
- Updating your business software frequently (this includes apps, browsers, antivirus software, and even operating systems)
- Securing your files by backing them app offline, on external hard drives, or using the cloud
- Using password protection on all business devices like computers, tablets, and even phones
- Encrypting devices that contain sensitive information
- Using advanced security protocols like multi-factor authentication for devices, internet, and any business network with sensitive data
2. Protect your Internet
The internet is very critical for running any modern business. However, a downside of the internet is that it makes your business vulnerable to cyberattacks.
You can avoid these attacks by protecting the wireless network you use for your business operations. For instance, you can use a strong password, encourage employees to log out of the network when done with work, and use WPA2 network encryption.
3. Train your Employees
You can also avoid cyberattacks on businesses by training employees on security protocols. For instance, you can train your employees on how to catch potential attacks before they happen, like spotting phishing emails.
Below are some training topics that will come in handy for promoting cybersecurity for business:
- How to spot phishing emails
- The right internet practices
- Avoiding suspicious downloads onto personal and business devices
- Using and creating strong password
- Enabling and employing authentication tools like multi-factor authentication
- Protecting and properly storing sensitive business data
4. Assess your Business Risk
In order to improve your business cybersecurity, you have to understand the vulnerabilities of your business. This will help you recognize the areas that need attention.
Therefore, a cybersecurity risk assessment counts as a type of cybersecurity practice. In addition to identifying risks, the assessment will guide you on creating a plan of action. The plan of action may include things like:
- Deciding on the type of attacks your business may encounter and ways to avoid them
- Provide topics for employee cyber-training topics
- Come up with strategies for securing business systems, data, and more
5. Collaborate with IT Departments
You can also benefit from working with IT departments and support staff to identify and come up with strategies to prevent cyberattacks. In case of attacks, having an IT department can come in handy in terms of mitigation.
Final Word: Protect Your Business from Cyberattacks with Norton
Norton is a company that offers antivirus software and other tools for protecting your business from cyberattacks. In addition to the Norton antivirus, there is also a VPN for windows and VPN for mac from this brand. The VPN and antivirus from Norton target businesses of all sizes and in different markets.
