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The pandemic has forced businesses to move online at an unprecedented rate. And while this digital transformation was necessary to keep the economy moving, it has also created new opportunities for cybercriminals. Cyber security in the workplace must be a top priority for all businesses, big and small.
With remote work not going anywhere, it has increased the average data breach cost by $137,000. In the past, businesses could get away with weak cyber security measures. But in the new world we are entering, that will no longer be possible.
Here is how you can keep your business safe in the new world of work:
1. Educate Your Employees on Cyber Security
One of the best ways to improve cyber security in the workplace is to educate your employees on the dangers of cybercrime and how they can protect themselves.
Make sure that your employees are aware of common scams, such as phishing emails and fake websites. In 2021, about 90% of data breaches occurred because of phishing attacks, making phishing the most common type of cyberattack.
Advise employees not to click on links or download attachments from unknown sources. And remind them to never give out their login details or financial information. You should also provide your employees with cyber security training so that they know how to spot and report suspicious activity. By educating your employees on cyber security, you can make your business much less vulnerable to attack.
2. Invest in Cyber Security Software
Another way to improve cyber security in the workplace is to invest in cyber security software. There are many different types of software available, from anti-virus and anti-malware programs to firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
Equally as important is regularly keeping your software up-to-date. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit security vulnerabilities, and once they break in, they can wreak havoc on your systems.
Equifax experienced a disastrous data breach that affected 147 million people because they failed to install a patch update that had been available two months before the breach. Equifax paid a settlement of $575 million to the FTC, CFPB, and all 50 states and territories.
By regularly updating your software, you can patch any security holes and make it much harder for cybercriminals to break in and avoid paying a high fine.
3. Create a Cyber Security Policy
Creating a cyber security policy is another crucial step in protecting your business from attack. Although important, a shocking 80% of small businesses do not have a cyber security policy in place. Your policy should outline your approach to cyber security and detail the measures you’re taking to protect your business.
The following can help you create a cyber security policy:
Assessing Your Risks
Carry out a risk assessment to identify the biggest threats to your business. This will help you to focus your efforts on the areas that are most vulnerable.
Setting Security Goals
Once you’ve identified the risks, you can set security goals that will help to mitigate those risks. These could be things like implementing two-factor authentication or encrypting data at rest and restricting access to sensitive data.
Choosing Security Solutions
Now it’s time to choose the security solutions that will help you to achieve your security goals. This could include investing in cyber security software or training your employees in cyber security best practices.
Selecting a Security Framework
There are many different security frameworks available that are appropriate for your business and can help you meet compliance regulations.
Implementing a Disciplinary Procedure
Your policy should include a disciplinary procedure for employees who violate the policy. This could involve anything from a warning to dismissal, depending on the severity of the offense.
4. Create an Incident Response and Data Recovery Plan
Around 72% of small business owners have purchased cyber insurance after experiencing a cyberattack. This reactive mindset is risky and could end up costing your business a lot of money instead of playing it safe with a proactive approach.
A comprehensive incident response plan will help you to quickly and effectively deal with a cyberattack. It should detail the steps you need to take to contain the damage, minimize the impact on your business, and recover any lost data.
You should also have a data recovery plan in place so that you can quickly get your business back up and running if your systems are breached. This should include things like restoring from backups and testing your recovery plan regularly. Creating a plan will boost cyber security in the workplace.
5. Use strong passwords and Multi-factor Authentication
Creating a strong password for new accounts can be tricky, so many people resort to password repeating. In fact, Google found that 52% of people reuse the same password for multiple accounts. The issue with password repeating is how easy it makes it for cybercriminals to gain access to all of your accounts if they manage to crack just one password.
To combat this, you should use a different and strong password for each account and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to confirm your identity with a second factor, such as a code from a mobile app or a hardware token.
You can also use a password manager to generate and store strong passwords for you. This means you only need to remember one master password, and the password manager will do the rest.
Strengthen Cyber Security in the Workplace with RESULTS Technology
Cyber security is an ongoing process, and it’s important to regularly review and update your policies and procedures. At RESULTS Technology, we can help you to keep your business safe with our comprehensive cyber security solutions.
Our team of experts will work with you to assess your risks, implement the latest security technologies, and train your employees in best practices. Contact us today to find out more about our cyber security services and how we can help you protect your business.
