The problem with cyber security threats is that businesses don’t react fast enough in response to malicious network activity. While I don’t think it’s intentional, it’s important to note that hackers are excellently skilled in disguising their plans and methods of attack. As cyber security threats continue to evolve, it has become critical for all businesses to have effective cyber security measures in place. It is always better to stay prepared and proactive than having to act fast on damage control.
Cyberattacks or cyber security threats damage data, steal data and disrupt digital life as a whole. Examples of these attacks or threats include computer viruses, data breaches, and Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. Since most attacks are caused by human error, businesses need to implement strong IT security tools, have a strategy for emerging threats, and consider cyber awareness campaigns for employees. Cyber security threats can be proactively dealt with; however, it is a shared responsibility amongst all employees in a company, even the people at the top. You too as just an ordinary employee with no tech expertise can prevent cyber-attacks from occurring by being attentive. If you’re unfamiliar with the ways that cyber security threats can creep in, we’re here to guide you with these 5 proactive tips.
5 Ways To Guard Against Cyber Security Threats:
1. Recognize suspicious emails
Attackers create backdoors then crypt it to make it undetectable from an antivirus. They then bind it with some documents and send it to you through email. Once you open these documents, you are immediately hacked. Most organisations are hacked through their employees emails. Attackers use emails to send their documents and bind backdoors inside them.
To prevent email hacking, look out for emails you might not expect. The sender might be “paypal.com” but look out for the consistency of email layouts to notice the difference. Most sophisticated cybercriminals use a legitimate company brand but some may make mistakes. Look out for spelling and grammar errors, and emails that use an urgent tone.
2. Observe unusual password activity
If an employee is locked out of their system or receives an email advising that their password has been changed, it may be a sign that the password has been compromised. To ensure security and avoid cyber security threats, all employees should create a good password that’s updated every six months for email and the network.
3. Be on the lookout for suspicious pop-ups
Spotting suspicious pop-ups is also a key component in improving security awareness within the business environment. As tempting and annoying it may be to click on these pop-ups, resist. A web pop-up window should not be clicked on by an employee, even to close it. Pop-ups have the ability to infect a network with malware and spyware.
4. Report slower than normal network performance
Malware outbreaks or hacking attempts can cause spikes in network traffic, which can reduce internet speed. When network speeds are significantly slower than normal, employees should notify the IT security department even if it’s just a precautionary measure. It’s better to be safe than sorry later on. Always be attentive and don’t take it for granted that the network is just slow.
5. Always keep your software up-to-date
As mentioned before, it is often human error that leads to a network breach. However, up-to-date IT software can minimize the chance of a malware attack. As part of this effort, all desktops, laptops, and mobile devices should be updated regularly with the latest cybersecurity tools installed. This ensures employees to be in a safer and better position to detect and identify when a potential security attack is when in progress.
Cyber security threats are real and can be very detrimental to a business in their entirety. According to an article on cybercrime statistics, over the past year as a result of the pandemic, stats have shown how cyber-attacks have increased, from phishing scams to ransomware, as more time has been spent online. As remote-working has grown, businesses have become particularly vulnerable as increased security measures have lagged. During a period where employees are on-site or working remotely, there should be no room for any vulnerability in systems and operations. Knowing the right processes to have in place can be confusing which is why you need a team of IT experts behind you. With all the costs included in outsourcing IT experts each time something goes wrong, why not invest in using a long-term digital partner who stays ahead of the digital game at all times. DigiRev is comprised of a team of professionals that encourage digital transformation while staying up-to-date with the latest IT protocols. For all your digital needs and concerns, contact DigiRev today!
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