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Protecting Your Data With Cybersecurity

Not a week goes by without news of cyberattacks and data breaches. Cyberattacks through phishing, malware, and ransomware, among other methods, are becoming increasingly common, and it is a critical time that businesses started treating cybersecurity as a strategic objective. 

Cybercriminals are causing damages worth millions of dollars. They can also bring businesses to a halt. The meat supplier, JBS, had to pay $11 million to free their systems, while Colonial Pipeline’s ransom was $4.4 million.

These attacks also pose significant risks to customer data and financial and proprietary information. So, businesses of all sizes need to invest in and improve their cybersecurity measures. To help you out, here are five key cybersecurity tactics that companies can employ.

1. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA)

MFA adds another layer of cybersecurity to protect systems. Even if an external element has a user's login credentials, they will have to undergo another level of authentication to gain access.

A one-time password, for example, is a formidable way to control access. Businesses should institute MFA for access to all critical systems to improve their security. <.p>

2. Instal anti-virus software

One of the most effective ways to protect data is by using anti-virus software. These can go a long way in guarding the network and systems against spyware, viruses, malware, etc.

They will run in the background without anyone having to initiate it. But beyond installing software, companies should also diligently update it.

3. Watch out for suspicious links

Organisations should advise their staff against clicking on any link that looks suspicious or any link in a mail from an unfamiliar sender. Hackers regularly use links to unwittingly get employees to share information that they could then use to gain access.

Whether it's for online banking or booking flight tickets, users should go directly to the site rather than clicking on a link.

4. Update operating systems

Technology firms routinely identify vulnerabilities in their operating systems and roll out updates. Unfortunately, some users are lazy about updating it. Hackers can use that delay to enter not just that device but other systems that may also be connected to the device.

Businesses should insist that their employees update their operating systems and all relevant software promptly to prevent such incidents.

5. Use stronger passwords

Most cyberattacks occur due to individual errors or oversights and not due to any significant technical failures. The primary reason for that is the weak and predictable passwords that employees use.

Businesses should mandate that employees use stronger passwords that others won't be able to guess easily. They should also change their passwords regularly. Employees should also be encouraged to use password managers, which will keep all passwords in one place.

In short

Cyberattacks aren't going to go away. But businesses can improve their cybersecurity measures and encourage employees to be always on their guard.
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