Sophisticated Woman Magazine | February 2024

Page 31

Shielding Your Business: Essential Cybersecurity Practices In today's digitally

to manage and remember your login credentials.

connected world, cyber-

6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Networks:

security is no longer

Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but

just a buzzword; it's a

notoriously insecure. Cybercriminals often

fundamental

necessi-

target these networks to intercept data trans-

ty for businesses of all

missions. Whenever possible, encourage your

sizes. Cyber threats are

employees to use a Virtual Private Network

constantly evolving, and it's crucial for organi-

(VPN) or mobile data connections when access-

zations to stay ahead of the curve to protect sen-

ing sensitive information on the go.

sitive data, maintain trust with customers, and

7. Conduct Cybersecurity Training:

ensure business continuity. In this article, we'll

Investing in cybersecurity training for your

explore some essential cybersecurity practices

employees is a proactive approach to mitigating

that every business should consider adopting.

risks. Conduct regular workshops to educate

1. Back Up Your Data:

your team about the latest threats, how to spot

Data loss can be catastrophic for business-

phishing attempts, and the importance of fol-

es. Implement a robust backup strategy that

lowing security protocols. Employees who are

includes regular backups and offsite storage.

well-informed become the first line of defense

In the event of a ransomware attack or data

against cyberattacks.

breach, having up-to-date backups can save

8. Keep Software and Systems Updated:

your organization from irreparable damage.

Outdated software and operating systems

2. Develop an Incident Response Plan:

are prime targets for cyberattacks. Regularly

Despite your best efforts, breaches may still

update all software and systems to patch

occur. Having a well-defined incident response

known vulnerabilities. Consider implement-

plan in place can minimize damage and down-

ing an automated update process to ensure

time. Ensure that your team knows the steps to

nothing falls through the cracks.

take in case of a security incident, and regular-

9. Engage a Cybersecurity Expert:

ly test the plan to identify weaknesses.

Consider enlisting the services of a cybersecurity

3. Implement Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)

expert or consultant who can assess your organi-

Allow the programs you need, block every-

zation's specific risks and tailor a security strategy

thing else including good programs. If the pro-

to your needs. Their expertise can be invaluable in

grams can’t run, the bad guys can’t use them

identifying and addressing vulnerabilities.

to compromise you.

In conclusion, cybersecurity is an ongoing effort

4. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

that requires vigilance and adaptation. By incorpo-

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a secu-

rating these essential practices into your business's

rity method that requires users to provide

security strategy, you can significantly reduce the

two or more verification factors, such as a

risk of falling victim to cyberattacks. Remember,

password and a temporary code sent to their

it's not a matter of if, but when, a cyber threat will

mobile device, to gain access to an account or

target your organization, so be prepared and proac-

system, enhancing authentication security.

tive in your approach to cybersecurity.

5. Utilize a Password Manager: sing a password manager increases security

Rene Miller, CEO, P.E., CISSP

by generating and storing complex, unique pass-

Ener Systems

words for each of your accounts, reducing the risk

985-871-0333 Ext. 5505

of password-related breaches, and making it easier

enersystems.com


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Sophisticated Woman Magazine | February 2024 by Sophisticated Woman Magazine - Issuu