As technology continues to evolve and cybercrimes become more sophisticated, the need for robust, multi-layered cybersecurity measures has become increasingly critical. Cyber threats can affect organizations of all sizes and industries, ranging from phishing attacks and malware to data breaches and ransomware. While many businesses invest in basic cybersecurity practices, there are often overlooked aspects that can further enhance an organization’s defense against cyber threats. In this blog post, we will discuss several key overlooked cybersecurity tips for so your organization can say protected.
Implement Ongoing Cybersecurity Training Programs
One of the most commonly overlooked cybersecurity tips is the importance of regular cybersecurity training programs. Employees can inadvertently be the weakest link in a company’s cybersecurity defense if they are not aware of potential cyber threats and best practices to prevent them. In fact, 82% of breaches involve “the human element, meaning a breach came down to successful phishing, a misuse of credentials, the ability of a hacker to steal credentials, or just human error within a system.” Conducting regular cybersecurity training programs that cover a range of cybersecurity topics such as phishing awareness, password hygiene, and social engineering can help empower your team members to be more vigilant in identifying and responding to potential cyber threats.
Enforce Strong Password Policies and Enable MFA
Weak passwords are still a common entry point for hackers. Many businesses overlook the importance of enforcing strong password policies. Passwords should be complex, including a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Additionally, employees should be encouraged to use unique passwords for each account and avoid using easily guessable information. Employees may even consider using a password manager to keep track of everything securely and easily.
Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible can also provide an extra layer of protection for user accounts, making it more difficult for cyber attackers to gain access. MFA is a security measure that requires users to provide multiple forms of identification before granting access to a system or account. This typically involves combining something the user knows (such as a password), with something the user has (such as a fingerprint or a security token), and/or something the user is (such as a biometric characteristic like facial recognition). Even if one factor, such as a password, is compromised, the additional factors required in MFA provide an added layer of security, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and protecting sensitive information from being accessed.
Regularly Update Software and Applications
Another commonly overlooked cybersecurity tip is the importance of regularly updating software. Software vulnerabilities are often exploited by cyber attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems or steal sensitive data. It’s crucial to keep all software, including operating systems, antivirus software, browsers, and third-party applications updated with the latest security patches. Regularly monitoring for and applying software patches can help prevent potential vulnerabilities from being exploited by cyber threats.
Develop a Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan
Having a robust backup and disaster recovery plan is often overlooked by businesses when it comes to cybersecurity. Regularly backing up critical data and storing it in a separate location (or in the cloud) can protect against data loss due to cyber attacks or other disasters. Additionally, having a documented disaster recovery plan in place can help guide the response and recovery process in the event of a cyber incident, minimizing downtime and potential damage.
Partner With a Trusted Managed Service Provider
Cybersecurity can be complex — that’s why we recommend partnering with a trusted Managed IT Service Provider (MSP) to support your cybersecurity measures even more. Here at Varsity, we provide a strategic security framework so you can learn which services will help give you the best protection. Our cybersecurity experts will audit your IT environments to identify your risks, provide the most effective solutions tailored to your needs, and mitigate cybersecurity threats. Our proactive, long-term approach will meet you immediate security needs while planning ahead for the future. Browse our cybersecurity services or get in touch with us directly for a consultation. We look forward to helping your organization stay secure!
Wondering if your current cybersecurity measures could protect your organization from a cyber attack? Download our free Cyber Checklist to find out!