What Organisations Can Do to Prevent Cyber Attacks

The cybersecurity landscape is ever-changing. Both hackers and cybersecurity experts are actively working on getting one up to another. This results in an increased number of security solutions and cyber attacks. 

But sometimes, even the best security software isn't capable of stopping a cyber attack. Furthermore, cyber security insurance will do you no good when your company is going through a ransomware attack. So how can a company defend itself against the growing number of cyber-attacks and possibly avoid becoming the victim of a breach? 

Cybersecurity experts recommend implementing a series of "best practices" to stop emerging cyber threats. A recently conducted Cyber Security Report from cybersecurity company Hornet Security outlined what organisations can do to protect themselves. 

Train Employees on the Basics of Cybersecurity 

Employee training ranks the highest on the list of cybersecurity best practices because most cyberattacks are preventable. In addition, hackers are actively looking for easy targets with weak passwords or no authentication on APIs. 

Eliminating these risks is the best way to prevent a cyber attack. Consider implementing some of these best practices regarding employee information and training on cybersecurity:

• Train employees on setting safe and secure passwords. Encourage them to create a separate password for G-Suite or Microsoft 365 tenant accounts. In addition, encourage using a password manager app to keep passwords safe and secure.
• Train employees on ways to avoid malware, viruses, ransomware attacks, and phishing attacks. Most of these attacks come by email and, more specifically, email attachments and links. Employees can be trained to spot spoofed websites, spam and phishing emails, and ransomware.
• Train employees on the dangers of malware. While you're at it, teach them how to stay safe on the internet. Employees become more aware when they understand the issue at hand.

Establish Clear Security Policies 

Every organisation must implement protocols and policies in case of a cyber attack. These policies and protocols are essential for protecting business data and preventing a breach. 

Cybersecurity experts can come in and create guidelines for resolving data protection issues. These guidelines or policies, such as those mentioned below, can mean the difference between getting hacked or staying safe.#

• Prevent access to official devices from unauthorised actors. To do that, implement a multi-factor authentication policy across the organisation. With multi-factor authentication, hackers will have a much harder time breaking into official devices.
• Reset lost or misplaced devices. Employees generally use numerous devices to perform their jobs, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Chances are, some of these devices might get lost or misplaced at one point. If that happens, ensure that those devices are wiped clean of company data. This removes crucial access points to company software and the greater business network.
• Patch software regularly. Hackers love to exploit security holes in software. Avoid that scenario by ensuring that patches are implemented regularly across your company. Since patches are meant to plug in these holes, updating and patching can be the difference between retaining sensitive business information and losing it for good.

Implement Encryption Across the Organisation 

Data encryption is an excellent cybersecurity tool that adds another layer of defence to your cybersecurity strategy. But how do you use encryption to provide employees with a secure online environment? 

Encryption comes in many forms. One that every organisation should implement is email encryption. Every employee gets an encryption and decryption key, which they can use to decrypt incoming emails from coworkers. 

Encryption is your best chance to prevent unauthorised access. Even if a hacker manages to access your email network, they still need the decryption key to view the content of emails. 

Back Up Data 

Data backups are essential cybersecurity best practices. In today's world, data loss presents an existential threat for businesses, especially those handling customer information. That makes protecting data a top priority. Despite the variety of security solutions available, anyone can get hacked anytime. No business wants to be hacked, but if all your data is backed up, you have less to worry about.

For that, you need to implement a data backup strategy involving multiple methods. Backing up crucial data from employee email mailboxes, applications, and services is a complex task made easier if you use third-party backup software. 

Third-party solutions can be fully integrated into your cloud environment. With a backup solution in place, you can rest assured knowing your data is copied somewhere on the cloud and not locally. Backing up data locally is asking for trouble, as all it takes is a hardware malfunction to start things unravelling. 

Have a Strategy in Place 

As a business, data safety should be your number-one priority, especially as the cybersecurity landscape moves beyond bad actors seeking personal gain. These days, cybercriminals run the gamut from rag-tag hacker teams to well-funded, state-sponsored actors. The best way to protect your business is to plan ahead and implement a sound cybersecurity strategy.