Cybersecurity is an issue that most people don’t take seriously until the worse happens- from stolen customer data to electrical blackouts or paralysed information systems. And unfortunately, these incidents have been steadily rising for small businesses.
Basic controls like firewalls and strong password protections can go a long way in protecting you but if your business isn’t up-to-date in terms of security protocols and practices, then you’re likely at a far higher risk than you think of security breaches, data loss or even malicious attacks from hackers and outside sources.
Before it gets to that point, though, recognising that your system isn’t secure is an excellent place to start.
If you, or your staff, have spotted any of these red flags within your system, then it might be time to invest in better cybersecurity, or even consider our 24/7 cyber monitoring software to boost the safety of your business:
Errors or out-of-date notices on software
We’ve all been known to ignore warnings and errors related to the software we use, especially if that particular piece of software continues to work correctly. But out-of-date technology, particularly software connected to the internet or cloud, can be an open door for hackers.
If you’ve noticed errors or out-of-licence notices on company software, updating your processes and guidelines to ensure this is reported, and any updates are done swiftly, is best practice.
OS systems that are not updated to the latest version
Many employees are guilty of this particular security issue. Leaving computers on overnight and never allowing updates to occur may allow for a quicker start to the day, but it’s not worth the security risks it brings. If you find employees regularly lagging behind on the latest OS updates, completing these updates should be included in the responsibilities of your IT team to ensure your company is compliant.
An increase or influx in spam emails or potentially harmful links
Outdated or less secure email systems can lead to a significant increase in the amount of spam your business receives which could have harmful attachments and links included in them. Ensuring your firewall, spam systems, and other security measures are up-to-date can prevent problem emails from reaching you. If you’ve noticed a sudden increase, ensure all your systems are up to date.
All too often, businesses forget all about their cybersecurity requirements until problems occur – whether it’s a virus in the system, a hacking attempt or a full-on ransom demand.
That’s why CyberSmart’s simple app and dashboard alert you any time a device in your company has a firewall disabled, is behind on updates, or needs a software update. Beyond certification, we offer the kind of 24/7 protection that will keep your business, employees, and customers safe in the world of 2020.
To learn more about our software and certification services, contact CyberSmart today.