In today’s digital age, cybersecurity for businesses is more important than ever before. Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in both businesses and individuals. As a result, businesses must take steps to protect themselves from the different types of cybersecurity threats.
Fortunately, there are several computer security best practices that businesses can follow to help mitigate the risks posed by cybersecurity threats. In this blog post, learn how to prevent cyberattacks by implementing 10 of the best practices for cybersecurity in the Philippines.
10 Cybersecurity Best Practices to Employ
1. Implement Strong Password Policies
Businesses today face a multitude of cybersecurity threats, from phishing attacks to ransomware. One of the most important things they can do to protect themselves is to implement strong password policies. So, one cybersecurity best practice for employees to take note of is requiring employees to use complex passwords that are difficult to guess or crack. Passwords should also be changed on a regular basis, to reduce the risk of them being compromised.
2. Use Two-Factor Authentication
Another great way to prevent cyberattacks is to use two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two pieces of information to log in. This could be something like a password and a one-time code that is generated by an app on their phone. By requiring two forms of authentication, 2FA makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your system. And since it’s become such a common security measure, many employees are already familiar with how it works.
Implementing 2FA can be a simple and effective way to improve your business’s cybersecurity. It’s quick and easy to set up, and it can go a long way toward protecting your company’s data.
3. Educate Employees on Cybersecurity Threats
Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and it can be difficult for even the most tech-savvy employees to stay ahead of the curve. That’s why education is one of the best cybersecurity practices for employees.
Employees should be taught about common tactics like phishing scams and social engineering attacks. They should also know what to do if their account is ever compromised. By equipping your team with the knowledge they need to stay safe, you can help reduce the risk of a serious cybersecurity breach.
4. Use Encryption
Encryption is a great way to protect your data from being accessed by unauthorized individuals. When data is encrypted, it is transformed into a format that can only be decrypted by someone with the correct key or password. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to access your data even if they can compromise your systems.
Encryption can also help to protect your data in transit. If you are sending sensitive data over the internet, it is important to encrypt the data to prevent it from being intercepted by third parties.
There are a variety of different encryption algorithms that can be used, and the level of security provided by encryption will vary depending on the strength of the algorithm and the length of the key or password used. However, all encryption methods provide some degree of protection, and it is generally recommended to use encryption whenever possible.
5. Install Firewalls
Firewalls play an important role in protecting your network from outside attacks. By acting as a barrier between your network and the internet, firewalls, such as the Fortinet firewall management system can help to block dangerous traffic and prevent unauthorized access to your systems.
There are two main types of firewalls: hardware and software:
- Hardware firewalls are physical devices that are installed between your network and the internet.
- Software firewalls are programs that are installed on your computers and servers. It is important to have both types of firewalls in place to maximize your protection.
Hardware firewalls provide the first line of defense against attacks, while software firewalls can offer more targeted protection. When configured properly, firewalls can be an effective way to secure your network.
6. Keep Your Software Up-To-Date
One of the simplest but still the form of best computer security practices you can do is to make sure your software is up-to-date. This includes both your operating system as well as any applications you have installed on your devices. By ensuring that you have the latest security patches installed, you can help protect yourself from known vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.
Keeping your software up-to-date can also help improve the performance of your devices and ensure that you have the latest features and security enhancements. While it may seem like a tedious task, taking the time to keep your software up-to-date is an important part of protecting yourself against online threats.
7. Use Secure Wireless Networks
Wireless connectivity has become increasingly commonplace in recent years, as businesses look for ways to promote greater flexibility and collaboration. However, this convenience comes with a potential security risk, as wireless networks are generally less secure than their wired counterparts.
If your business offers wireless connectivity, it is important to use secure networks with encryption enabled. This will help prevent people from gaining unauthorized access to your network and stealing sensitive data. Traffic traveling across the network unencrypted could also be intercepted by attackers, so it is important to encrypt all traffic using a strong encryption algorithm.
8. Use Penetration Testing Tools
Cybersecurity penetration testing tools are essential for identifying vulnerabilities in computer systems. By simulating real-world attacks, penetration testers can assess the effectiveness of a company’s security measures and identify potential weak points. While there are many different types of penetration testing tools available, some of the most popular include password crackers, network discovery tools, and web application scanners.
9. Perform Regular Backups
One of the most important things you can do for your business’s data is to perform regular backups. This ensures that even if your primary system is lost or corrupted, you will still have a copy of your data that can be restored.
There are a number of different backup methods available, and which one you use will depend on your specific needs. For example, some businesses may opt for cloud-based backups, while others may prefer to use an on-site storage system. Whichever method you choose, it’s important to ensure that your backups are performed regularly and that they include all of your critical data.
10. Monitor Activity Logs
Monitoring activity logs can help you detect signs of intrusion or malicious activity on your network. These logs contain information about events that have occurred on the system, such as successful and failed login attempts, file and printer access, and more. By monitoring these logs, you can often spot anomalous activity that could indicate an attempt to compromise your system.
Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, which means that businesses need to continuously adapt their defenses. However, by following some basic best practices, businesses can make it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to protected information. Implementing strong password policies, using encryption, and regularly backing up data are just some of the ways businesses can prevent cyberattacks.
Keep your business protected with tools and software from Kital. Get in touch with us today to find the right one for your organization.
