Technology offers brilliant tools and mediums for entrepreneurs and businesses. It helps evolve and expand enterprises to another level. Technological advancements like smartphones, tablets, PC, and high-speed internet have all contributed to the success of many businesses in the past decade. Through technological advancement, new jobs, products, and gadgets have emerged. Technology and the development of companies go hand in hand. There is no way a business could run successfully without incorporating efficient Information Technology systems and solutions.
From efficient business communication to keeping employees engaged, technology helps businesses in multiple ways. However, with all the goodness comes a consequence that most companies fall prey to, i.e., threats and cyberattacks like hacking and data leak. IT systems are vulnerable to cyber-attacks when companies do not follow safety protocols. But, we have compiled a list of five ways to keep your IT systems secure and safe from hackers and cyber-attacks.
Using Strong Passwords For Protection
Weak passwords make it easy for hackers to carry on a cyber-attack on your network systems. Whether it’s wireless network systems or sensitive data, they must have a strong password that isn’t easy to decode. Having strong passwords for each individual with access to company information and other sensitive data helps the IT system authenticate them before giving them access. That way, you can keep unknown users from accessing your company’s data and networks.
Alphanumeric passwords containing special characters without standard dictionary terms and dates like birthdays are the best and strong ones. If you store all the usernames and passcodes of the employees in a master document, then it’s better to have a dedicated password encrypted for that too.
Conducting Background Checks And Screening
Yes, hackers are the ultimate root cause behind cyber-attacks. However, sometimes it’s because of internal firewall failures too. There have been many instances of data breaches and other network failures happening due to employees. Even though the legal consequences for doing so are harsh and people responsible will face it, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
You must conduct a thorough background check on your employees. We are not talking about just calling out references but conducting a deep background check about the credibility of every employee irrespective of the hierarchy. You can also incorporate policies like no or limited access to sensitive data during the initial training or trial phase. That way, you eliminate the risk of an internal cyber attack.
Install a Virus Scanner
Virus scanners and anti-malware applications for various devices like PCs, wireless networks, and mobile phones have eased many minds. They may cost you some money, as all things do, but they will guarantee you peace of mind. Using virus scanners, you can easily identify potential threats, security breaches, and malware. However, several network providers offer free virus scanners that don’t cost you a dime.
Having all the software up to date is ideal for keeping your IT systems safe and secure. Various features like auto-scanning at regular intervals allow you to detect any threats every day automatically. Updating anti-malware apps regularly also helps detect and defend against new viruses and any new variations of existing viruses.
Avoid Opening Unknown Email Attachments
The easiest way for hackers to enter your IT system is by making you download malware and other viruses into your system through emails. If you receive an email with an unsolicited attachment, it’s better not to download it. If you know the sender, it’s better to check with them about the attachment’s contents and then open it.
However, if you receive any such emails with attachments from an unknown source, delete the email and block the sender immediately. Most scammers master the art of illusion and create fake websites that look authentic. By downloading or entering any sensitive data on those phishing emails, you may lose all access to your data and network systems. You must also train and advise all your employees not to open such phishing emails and delete any suspicious emails. For more details, you can also check news blog.
Hang Up Scam/Suspicious Calls
Here’s another trend that most scammers and cons are following lately: calling unsuspecting victims and pretending to be the tech support for renowned computer and data provider companies. Gathering sensitive data like usernames and passwords is super easy since the victims give it out to these so-called tech associates.
Any company or service wouldn’t proactively call their customers and seek sensitive data over the call. If you receive such calls, it’s better to hang up immediately. You can contact the organization later through the official contact number and verify if it was one of their representatives, especially if you receive such calls from someone representing a bank. You can also check the top blog for more information.
Final Thoughts
Those were the top five ways to keep your IT systems safe and secure. Hopefully, the article helped you gain a better insight into the safety protocols of IT systems. Securing all the computers and sensitive data with unique usernames and passwords is best to avoid cyber-attacks. Also, by refraining from storing sensitive data in the cloud, you avoid the threat of a data breach.
