Cybersecurity Best Practices During COVID-19
As a public health measure, most businesses across the country have been forced to either temporarily close shop or go entirely online. This has undoubtedly had a measurable effect on our nationwide efforts to “flatten the curve” - that is, to reduce the number of people infected with COVID-19. On the other hand, it has left our businesses as vulnerable as ever to cyber breaches and attacks. Unless we have strong cybersecurity measures in place, our organizations are still in danger of being infiltrated by malware and cyber threats.
Thankfully, cybersecurity strategies can be easily adopted even with a remote workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most Important Cybersecurity Practices
No matter the size of your business, taking basic cybersecurity precautions can keep your files, data, financial records, and employees’ personal information safe. Cybersecurity, in other words, is an affordable investment that can have a major impact.
Here are a few fundamental cybersecurity best practices to consider adopting in your business:
● Set up a firewall. A firewall is probably the most common - but still a highly effective - form of cybersecurity technology. In many cases, the simple act of using a firewall can mean the difference between a healthy and functioning business and an irrevocably compromised network. When your employees are working remotely (as millions are right now), it’s recommended that you encourage them to use a firewall at all times.
● Make it a habit to back up your files. Without backups, a file that’s been infected by malware is often unretrievable. Backing up your files - including those that are being stored in the cloud - is a simple and trustworthy way to keep your information protected in case of a cyber-attack.
● Start taking passwords seriously. If you and your employees are not vigilant with passwords, it could quickly spell trouble for your cybersecurity. According to the 2019 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, roughly 80% of cybersecurity breaches can be traced back to lackadaisical password practices. To keep your devices and networks secure, consider making it a policy for your employees to regularly change passwords, and to always utilize a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols.
● Keep your employees in the loop. An organization’s cybersecurity strategy is only as effective as its internal communication. With that in mind, make sure your employees are routinely notified if any cybersecurity upgrades have been made, or if any new policies have been implemented. Doing so will make it much more likely that your workforce will be able to respond in a unified and organized manner if a cybersecurity breach should occur.
Boost Your Cybersecurity Today!
At the end of the day, the best way to enhance your organization’s cybersecurity is to hire professionals with the relevant skills and experience. These are pros that are typically in high demand. Partnering with Tri-Starr, however, can make it much easier for you to quickly find talented cybersecurity professionals near you. Contact us today to learn more!