How to protect your business from cyberthreats

'Scientia potentia est' originating from Latin, meaning knowledge is power, is a relevant aphorism that can be associated with today's world. This dictum is now truer than ever, as a result of rapid advances in information technology.

Furthermore, we want to continue ensuring and raising awareness around encryption and cyber security, and therefore we are glad to share some information on how to protect yourself and your business from cyber threats.

In simple terms, a cyber attack is an assault launched by cybercriminals using one or more computers against a single or multiple computers or networks. A cyber attack can maliciously disable computers, steal data, or use a breached computer as a launch point for other attacks in order to expose, alter, disable, destroy, steal or gain information through unauthorized access to or make unauthorized use of an asset. A cyberattack may steal, alter, or destroy a specified target by hacking into a susceptible system. Cybercriminals use a variety of methods to launch a cyber attack, including malware, phishing, ransomware, denial of service, among other methods.

A cyberattack occurs when cybercriminals try to gain illegal access to electronic data stored on a computer or a network. The intent might be to inflict reputational damage or harm to a business or person, or theft of valuable data. Cyberattacks can target individuals, groups, organizations, or governments.

A data breach is a type of security incident. It occurs when information is accessed without authorization. The information accessed could include personal information such as Social Security numbers, passwords, and financial account numbers.

Here are a few tips if you encounter cyber threats.

Secure your hardware

Using strong passwords is one way to protect your information online, so avoid using the same, easy-to-crack passwords, no matter how much you love your pet. Adopt symbols, numbers and different figures so no one can guess it by knowing personal information about you. You can also use the AxCrypt Password Generator that produces strong passwords that are not nonsensical and actually possible to remember and type. You'll get three suggestions of decreasing strength and complexity.

Encryption

Encryption is a way to make communications that are intended to be private actually remain private. It will help protect customers' data and anticipate threats. By encrypting your data and making it unreadable you guarantee security and productivity. Even if intercepted, the message will be unreadable for any actor that doesn't possess the right key to decrypt it.

Data backup

Backing up your business's data and website will help you recover any information you lose if you experience a cyber incident or have computer issues. It's essential that you backup your most important data and information regularly.

Ensure you use multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA is a verification security process that requires you to provide two or more proofs of your identity before you can access your account. For example, a system will require a password and a code sent to your mobile device before access is granted. Multi-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security to make it harder for attackers to gain access to your device or online accounts.

Raise cybersecurity awareness

Train every new employee to protect valuable data and have them sign your information policy. Use newsletters and/or ongoing training to reinforce your culture of cybersecurity. Raise cyber security awareness among the staff and teach them how to access data in the best, secure way on every device. They should know the risks of using data with an unsecure network. That can save the company from a massive loss in the years to come. Your business is only as secure as its weakest link.