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In the United States alone, the number of cyberattacks increased by 9% to include 160 million victims. Numerous reasons contribute to data breaches, such as more remote workers due to Covid-19, industry-specific attacks, such as healthcare, and stolen credentials. Nevertheless, the figures make a case for boosting the business security of your company beyond antimalware.
Managed Security Competency
Outsourcing specific jobs is now a significant part of 21st-century business. You might already outsource some roles, therefore knowing how helpful the sector can be. Reasons for outsourcing include managing costs, expanding trade and competency. And online security is no different. Companies like Sapphire.Net provide top-level competencies from a security operation center. Typically, such a provider handles high-level security that prevents a breach in the first instance. In a world of increased cyber threats, you cannot ignore the fact that you might need more security.
Managed IT Services
Similar to security competency, one of the most outsourced sectors is IT. Outsourcing IT is necessary when you are limited to floorspace, follow a restricted budget or feel the need to boost security. Managed IT services deliver top-quality systems management. They offer cloud backups, software installs and updates, and network management. But additionally and more importantly, most also handle cybersecurity. Although not as in-depth as a full-scale security service, a managed IT company will proactively monitor for breaches and act accordingly.
Employee Education
Your employees are one of the most significant security holes in any online protection plan. Some might require online security education. For instance, social engineering (gaining entry to a system via human interaction) is associated with the early days of hacking. However, the method is still widely employed today. Only rather than the telephone (which hackers still use), texts and emails make it easier. Therefore you could hold regular seminars to train employees. Education includes how to handle data requests, how to spot a fake email and use security questions.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Data breaches and identity theft are now so common that almost all large tech companies reconfigure their access systems to include better security. One of those added security systems is multi-factor authentication. MFA is powerful because it requires someone logging in to access more than one piece of information. For instance, similar to encryption, when you log in to your bank, you might also need to enter a numerical code. A code is sent via SMS to your verified smartphone number, email address, or both. One additional step which makes a huge difference to security.
Encrypted and Approved Devices
It isn’t uncommon to see employees with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop they use for work. However, these devices are prime targets for malicious hackers because of their sensitive nature. Any devices an employee uses for work should be encrypted, and you should train employees in security. Additionally, personal devices for official communication should be outright banned, punishable with disciplinary action. Personal devices are rarely secure, making them a prime target for malicious hackers for data theft that could help with entry to secure systems.