Your business is a representation of everything you’re excited about, not to mention huge amounts of time, energy, and resources. You deserve the security of knowing your investment is protected so you can keep your business up and running for years to come.
This includes utilizing the proper cybersecurity tools to stay ahead of the cyber attacks that are becoming more frequent and sophisticated every day. Let’s take a look at five essential methods you should include in your cybersecurity framework in order to stay safe.
Cybersecurity Tools You Won’t Want to Go Without
Each organization is unique, with distinct systems, threats, and needs, so everyone’s ideal cybersecurity tools will be a little different. However, there are a few basics that every company needs.
Endpoint Protection
Endpoint protection is focused on keeping company devices safe from threats and not allowing them to be used as access points for hackers. This includes tools and strategies used to protect laptops, desktops, and cell phones from attacks like malware, ransomware, etc.
How to Implement
- Install antivirus software, firewalls, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) programs on all company devices.
- Keep hardware and software up to date and use patches to make sure weak points are addressed promptly to avoid gaps in your security.
- Require employees to use strong, unique passwords that they change regularly. You can also use a password management software like LastPass or 1Password to help your team keep track of login info.
Network Security
Having a strong network is the first line of defense against unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyber attacks. If a hacker can’t even get into your infrastructure, they won’t be able to access sensitive information or wreak havoc on your system or other assets.
How to Implement
- Set up 24/7 monitoring and alert cybersecurity tools to keep track of unusual activity and catch threats before they become full-fledged attacks.
- Consider using network segmentation to limit access to different resources and contain breaches when something does slip through.
- Make your internet connection more secure by using a virtual private network (VPN), which hides your IP address and makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to hack into your network.
Data Management
Your data is one of your most precious assets, and recovering from data loss can involve huge financial and reputational losses. Luckily, there are cybersecurity tools designed to keep it safe.
How to Implement
- Make sure data is backed up to the cloud or a physical off-site server regularly and run tests frequently to make sure data is being saved properly.
- Utilize access controls on databases (like MFA) and limit the number of employees who can view or edit data—grant access only to those who need it to do their job.
- Hire an IT team to manage your storage, whether it be on a physical server or on the cloud, to make sure data is well-organized, safe, and accessible.
Encryption
Encryption translates data into unreadable code, meaning that even if information is intercepted, it will be unusable. This cybersecurity tool adds another layer of security to protect confidential company data like customer information and intellectual property from being stolen and used maliciously.
How to Implement
- Encrypt sensitive data both when it’s in storage and when it’s being sent to other team members or companies.
- Use end-to-end encryption on email or other messaging platforms to protect particular company discussions and information.
- Work with IT experts to determine what information should be encrypted and how to properly manage encryption keys.
Employee Education
Human error is one of the leading causes of data breaches, and it’s common for employees to be unaware of policies or to simply disregard them. Your employees don’t have to be experts in cybersecurity tools, but they do need to know and follow the best practices for keeping your company safe.
How to Implement
- Hold regular training meetings teaching staff members cyber skills like identifying phishing emails, checking links, making strong passwords, etc. Include real-world examples to help them understand the gravity of cyber attacks.
- Run cyber attack drills and simulations often to ensure employees know how to react to threats and the proper procedures for reporting and eradicating them.
- Send out cybersecurity newsletters or make fun posters reminding team members how to stay safe online.
Trust the Right Tools From the Right People
Knowing exactly how to protect your business is a challenge, which is why it’s wise to start with foundational, tried and true cybersecurity tools like the ones we’ve talked about here. For additional insights on how you can create the strongest cybersecurity infrastructure for your organization specifically, we recommend working with a professional IT provider.
Techs at these companies have years of experience tailoring cybersecurity solutions to businesses like yours, and they have access to tools, knowledge, and resources that your in-house team may not. With their expertise, you can be sure your systems, data, and other crucial assets are being protected in the most thorough, efficient way possible.
Realized Solutions: Cybersecurity Experts You Can Count On
At Realized Solutions, promoting your success through safe, effective technology is our number one goal. When you trust us with your cybersecurity, you can be confident you’ve chosen an experienced team who prioritizes proactive, meaningful solutions for keeping your assets secure.
Ready for speedy solutions, personalized cybersecurity tools, and the best customer service? Just send us a message.
