Cybercrime has been on a steady rise in the last couple of years, and hackers are targeting both small businesses and large enterprises. However, the available data allows us to determine which industries are facing the most cyber threats at the moment.
According to research, banking, utilities, and retail are at the very top of the list. The finance sector experiences the most ransomware attacks, a whopping 22%. Utilities are not too far behind, with an estimated 20% of cyberattacks. Cybercriminals target them because they provide the essentials to people and other companies, which means this industry is more likely to pay a ransom.
Retailers deal with 16% of reported cyberattacks, which results in closing the shops until everything is up and running properly. The outcome is financial loss. Retailers are also willing to deliver the money to cybercriminals to end the attack.
Of course, any business can be targeted by hackers. Their tools are becoming more sophisticated, and companies of all sizes should start thinking about improving and changing their response to cyber threats. Protecting the data should be a priority, so let’s talk about online safety and how to prevent cyberattacks on your business.
How to stay safe from cyberattacks
The advancement of technology, namely the availability of AI and other tools, has significantly changed the digital landscape. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving and improving their skills, meaning you need to change your cybersecurity strategy, especially if you are running a business.
Since new cyber threats emerge almost weekly, employees need to know how to recognise malware, phishing attempts, and more. Not to forget that using tools like VPN and antivirus software is a must. Here’s how to start improving your cybersecurity today and protect your valuable information from intruders:
Employee training
Keeping up with the ever-evolving world of cybercrime can be tricky for all businesses, regardless of size. So, regular employee training is highly recommended. Everyone needs to be on the same page when it comes to security threats. Learning to spot a potential cyberattack in time is critical for preventing damage.
Employee training should include common cyberattacks, such as phishing and social engineering, as well as less-used ones. Additionally, all employees should be advised to use strong passwords that are hard to guess. Implementing two-factor authentication will add an extra layer of safety. Recommend frequent password changes and the use of tools for password management. These apps can generate passwords and remember them, too.
Using a VPN
Unsecured data transfer can sometimes lead to ransomware attacks, and the best way to prevent this is encryption. A VPN is a nifty tool that encrypts the internet connection, making it impossible for third parties to intercept the information you send or receive. Since most businesses allow remote work, encryption is even more important than we realise.
This feature is beneficial for anyone working out of the office, especially if they use public Wi-Fi. A VPN creates a safe tunnel for the information that is sent or received. Furthermore, VPN providers offer a VPN free trial for anyone interested in trying out their services. So, if you are unsure about which VPN to choose, a VPN free trial should help you make that decision.
Regular software updates
Businesses shouldn’t run outdated software since cybercriminals often exploit it. Install updates as they become available, and never use unsupported software. Frequent updates are a must for security apps such as antivirus and antimalware software. It is the only way to ensure they can detect and quarantine the latest cyber threats.
Additionally, having a backup of all the important data you need for running your business is necessary. Malware could delete files in your system, and a backup will prevent data loss. Not to forget that you could continue your everyday operations in case of ransomware when you have a backup.
Come up with a plan
A cybersecurity issue can happen to every business, but it’s all about how they respond. Unfortunately, some companies are unprepared to deal with this type of event, which can worsen the situation. Therefore, having a response plan is an absolute necessity.
Your employees should know precisely what to do in case of a cyberattack. It is the responsibility of your entire organisation to deal with the threat promptly. The response plan and overall unity in case of an emergency will only increase the cybersecurity awareness among the employees, which is essential in preventing future incidents.
Review permissions
Sometimes, too many employees have access to data they simply don’t need to complete their everyday tasks. You’ll minimise the probability of a cyberattack by giving permissions to certain parts of your database to those who have to access the stored information.
It is also advised that you monitor the activity on the network and the database by regularly going through the logs. You’ll be the first to know if there are any unauthorised logins or suspicious behaviour.
