The most useful tips for keeping your business’ data secure

Nearly every business in the world has been affected by COVID-19 across the globe. 2020 was the year impacted not only by a biological virus but a digital one too. We were unexpectedly forced to change the way in operating our businesses, immediately moving to remote working.

 

A women in a shirt is holding a cloud shape with online password_business security_cyber security

 

With close to 4.6 billion Internet users active as of July 2020, (that is equivalent to 59% of the world’s population), this number nearly quadrupled as a result of the COVID-19. Estimates showed that cyber-attacks cost the world $600bn in 2019. The same report, for 2020, revealed that cyber crime now costs over a staggering $1 trillion. If hacking attacks continue operating at their current rate, then, by 2025, research shows that global cyber crime costs will reach $10.5 trillion. 

One of the key questions for the majority of businesses is, what can be done to better protect data? Our IT experts complied the top online security tips to help you protect your business from cyber incidents. These simple steps should help to increase the protection of the assets such as passwords, financial and customer data, and any other sensitive information.

 

1. Encrypt your data

 

Encryption can help protect data you store, receive, and send whilst using a digital device. It helps to protect private information and enhance the security between servers. Encryption is the process through which data is encoded so that it remains hidden from unauthorised users. Essentially, when your data is encrypted, and an unauthorised entity gains access to it, they will not be able to read it.

 

2. Backup your data

 

The main purpose of the backup is to create a copy of data that can be recovered in the event of an unexpected data failure. Data failures can be caused by data corruption, virus or malware, or even a human error such as accidental deletion of data. Backup copies allow data to be restored, which helps the business recover from the unplanned event, keeping all of the important information.

 

3. Anti-malware protection is a must

 

Antimalware software can help prevent malware attacks by scanning incoming data to a digital device, to prevent malware from being installed. Antimalware programs also can detect more advanced forms of malware and protect against ransomware attacks. Antimalware is a must-have to keep your computer malware-free and running safely. It also prevents from spreading to other computers.

 

4. Use a firewall

 

Firewalls protect against dangerous programs, viruses, and spyware, by shielding your computer and network from unauthorised, malicious network traffic. Firewalls can also prevent malicious software from accessing your computing device and spreading to other computers via the internet or network. We have a very interesting blog post that in detail describes all of the important functions of a firewall, please have a look!

 

Cyber security - business - Laptop - cyber-attacks protection

 

5. Secure your wireless network, at home and business

 

Securing your wireless network with a password can help to prevent unauthorised individuals in proximity to hijack your business network and share private information with other people without your permission.

 

6. Don't download files from untrustworthy websites

 

Always double-check if the website that you are browsing on is authorised and trusted. Most of them harbour infectious software and viruses hidden in attached downloadable files and links.

 

7. Don't open emails from people you don't know  

 

If you receive an email at work from an individual or a source you don’t recognise, don’t open it. Make sure that you don’t click on any links or attachments that are inserted into this type of email as they can transport and spread various forms of viruses and other dangerous programs that can permanently damage your files, even your device. It’s also recommended that you won’t forward e-mail if you are not sure if it is safe to do so. The best thing is to immediately contact your IT manager and make sure that such email is removed and your computer device is clear and safe to use.

 

8. Turn off your computer

 

When your work is finished using a computer or laptop, remember to power it off. Leaving your computing device on, and most likely, connected to the Internet,  gives hackers 24/7 access to install malware and other infectious software that can damage your business assets. To be completely secure, turn off your computer at any time when you don’t use it.

 

9. Learn your lesson

 

if you have been a victim of a cybercrime, take it as a lesson that you and your colleagues can take conclusions from and learn forward. Find out exactly what went wrong, and what you could have done to protect your data by taking better precautions. It's also important that you can speak to one of your IT team, to help them understand what was the reason for the breach or why you were targeted. This way, your company will gain better online protection as well as improved cyber security awareness throughout the business. For more tips on how to prevent your business from a data breach, please have a look at our blog post!

 

A man in a business suit holding a digital graphic of a secured folder_business security_online security

 

 

ADT has been providing expertise and great customer service since 1993, we have plenty of great advice that we can share with you! Call us on 0330 333 7439 or simply drop us an email at sales@adtsystems.co.uk We have many interesting News posts that are worth reading, so, please take a look!

 

And finally, our new social media pages would love to have you onboard! Have a look at our Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts!

 

 

ADT Systems Team