Cybercrime is on the rise as more people rely on digital technology. The FBI reports recent financial losses due to cyberattacks in the U.S. exceeded $4.2 billion. The most common threats against businesses come from ransomware, viruses, malware, and phishing emails. Today, Elijah Medge details three reasons why cybersecurity is needed to protect your company from a costly attack.
- How a Cybercrime Affects Your Business
Phishing emails are the primary access point used in these crimes when an employee receives a legitimate-looking message that entices them to click on a link or attachment. Once clicked, the employee’s computer becomes infected with malicious software designed to damage your computer network or server. Additionally, a virus can give cybercriminals access and control of your system, which can lead to a ransom request to regain access again. These crimes disrupt your ability to conduct business and cause customers to lose trust in your company if their personal information is stolen in the attack.
- How To Prevent a Cyberattack
There are several proactive steps you can take to prevent a cyberattack.
- Train Your EmployeeThe Department of Homeland Security has created the Stop Think Connect training program for you to use at no charge to educate your employees on cybersafety. Topics include recognizing phishing emails, how to create strong passwords, and security measures to protect sensitive data.
- Secure Your Network. Use a cutting edge platform like Tausight, designed to secure your data by using a real-time, situational PHI awareness platform.
- Protect Company Documents. To protect sensitive files from a cyberattack, use PDF files that are password protected. One drawback to this is the limited ability to edit a PDF file. But you can make it less time-consuming and difficult by using an online conversion tool. In order to convert PDF to doc, you can use a free online tool. Then, once your edits are complete, save the file as a PDF document again.
- Backup Your Data Securely. All your critical data, including your documents, files, databases, spreadsheets, and financial reports, needs to be backed up weekly and stored on the cloud or at an offsite location.
- What To Do if Your Company is Victimized
If your company is a cybercrime victim, immediately contain the breach by identifying what computers and servers are compromised. Use security data logs to determine how the breach occurred. In addition, it may benefit you to hire a cyber investigator for assistance. Here are the additional steps to follow:
- Take your website down immediately if it is infected. Otherwise, users could view your company as having viral content and poor security measures, which harms your public image and brand.
- Install the latest security updates and patches and have all your employees change their passwords.
- Report the cyberattack to law enforcement. Also, inform your financial institutions and credit card companies.
- Create a notification response plan with the help of your legal team to notify employees and customers as soon as possible about the crime and the next steps.
Protect Your Information
Protecting your company from cyberattacks is essential in today’s digital world. The money you spend on cybersecurity protects your sensitive information, brand, and revenue. Use the tools available to your business, and train your employees to take practical steps to avoid security breaches. Your business – and your information – is too important to be left at risk.
Elijah Medge currently resides in Los Angeles, California, where he manages his newest business location in Carson. Feel free to reach out!