Whatever your chosen industry, your customer information is always at risk of cyber theft, and the hackers that carry out these attacks use complex algorithms to gain access into networks, and once inside, they can copy sensitive customer data, and even credit card information, which could have disastrous consequences. There is a constant game of cat and mouse going on with hackers and cyber security people, and in order to stay ahead of the pack, it is important to enlist the help of a reputable cyber security firm.
Here are a few practices that you should employ to reduce the risk of a cyber-attack on your computer network.
- Configure a Firewall – A firewall is another barrier that the hacker must negotiate, and having this protection is integral for every organisation, big or small. Some companies go to the extent of installing a firewall at certain key employees’ homes, as they run a risk of being compromised, and if you would like the protection a firewall can provide, cyber security consulting firms like CXO Security can help as they adopt a holistic approach to data breach.
- Include Mobile Devices – It is no longer just laptops and desktop PCs that are at risk of data theft, with all mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets that are also powerful computers, and need just as much protection. Things like periodical changes to network passwords will go a long way to protecting sensitive data, and having a system whereby all mobile devices on the network are monitored and receive critical software updates.
- Educate your Employees – Many hackers gain access through human manipulation, and key staff should be made aware of this, and by adopting certain practices, they are minimising the risk of data theft. Once people are aware of the methods hackers use, they will always have a red flag moment when a strange request comes in, and can notify their cyber-security partner, who could then investigate.
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- Regularly Back Up your Data – Imagine losing all of your business data? This has happened to businesses, and with no copy of anything, it is virtually impossible to pick up the pieces. If you enlist the help of a local cyber-security company, they would handle all of the above, and with some penetration testing, they can evaluate your current security.
- Multi-Factor Authorisation – It could be a date of birth request at random, or have key staff answer a secret question, and should they wish to enter the network, they would be asked for the answer to that key question. If, for example, a hacker had gained an employee’s user name and password, it would be asked for the answer to that question, which, of course, the hacker would not know, thus preventing access. Biometric authorisation is becoming very popular, and by discussing your needs with a cyber security expert, you can take the first steps to boosting your critical data protection.
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Whatever the size of your business, your sensitive customer information is always a target for hackers, and with the expertise of a local cyber-security firm, your sensitive data will be in safe hands.
