Stressing Cybersecurity: Tips for a Secure Data Environment

Cybersecurity Basics that can Protect Your Business 

Today, data is the backbone of your Business. Keeping your Business data safe and your communications private is as important as locking the door. Perhaps even more important. Cybersecurity begins with a few basic rules and principles. While they are not terribly difficult, each of them combined is vital. 

To get you started, we asked our cybersecurity experts to share their expertise. Here are a few essential steps that you may be taking already, so use it as a kick-off or a refresher.  In coming articles, we will delve into more detail about each of these topics.  

Use strong passwords and a password manager 

Passwords are a way of life in our digital world. Individuals may have as many as 100 passwords and more than 200 accounts that require them. As a result, many, if not most, of us reuse passwords for multiple accounts and use a browser to remember them. Neither of these solutions provide the level of security needed to protect your data.  

Consider multifactor authentication 

Requiring users to provide more than just a password to access an account is now standard practice in many industries, including financial services. Adding an additional layer of security can keep unauthorized users from accessing your accounts, even if they have your password. While the benefits are clear, there are also some potential drawbacks. 

Update your software regularly  

You probably receive quite a few reminders to update your software, but do you really understand why this is such a vital step in your quest to improve cybersecurity?  

Look for and recognize phishing 

You’re probably aware of the email fraud practice known as “phishing”. You may have already thwarted some attempts to capture your personal information. But are you familiar with Smishing, Vishing, Spear Phishing, and Whaling? 

These are just a few of the basics, and the effort is clearly worthwhile. Protecting your data equates to protecting your Business.  

Look for more in our Cybersecurity series.