The issue of malicious intrusion in business is at epidemic proportions. And the costs are often enough to kill a company. Fortunately, it’s relatively straightforward to boost cybersecurity.

Use a VPN When Accessing the Web

You’ve probably heard of VPNs but aren’t sure what they are. A VPN creates a tunnel that encrypts between your device and the internet. So nothing short of government level software can see the data. Such data includes private information, what you are viewing and your IP address. Most VPN software is also available as an app, such as Nord VPN. And you can use it across multiple devices. So if you’re wondering how to hide IP address on iPhone, a VPN is one way to do it. Of course, there are other methods. Yet modern VPN software is user friendly.

Boost Cybersecurity with Strong Password Policies

Poor password policies at businesses are a method of entry in over 80% of cyberattacks. Which makes them extremely important when it comes to protecting your private data. Despite this, one study by NordVPN found that even many of the world’s leading Fortune 500 companies don’t use strong password policies. But it’s easy to do. Assign passwords with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. And don’t allow employees to change them. Additionally, enforce a password change each month, and use random usernames as well.

Implement Biometric Access Systems

Strong passwords and usernames are a good start. But they can be found by a good hacker in various ways. One way is by employees saving them to a file, writing them down or even sharing them. Another standard method is social engineering, where a hacker pretends to be someone else, such as an IT employee and asks for the password. But biometrics is almost unhackable and is common these days because it isn’t as expensive as it once was. Common biometrics include eye scanners, palm readers and fingerprint scanners.

Install Reputable Anti Malware

The simplest yet often overlooked security method is to install antimalware, previously known as antivirus software. Antimalware is the modern version since it incorporates much stronger features than simple antivirus scanning. Some of the best antimalware for business include:

• Norton 360 with LifeLock: excellent features for Windows PCs and devices.
• Webroot SecureAnywhere: best features for iOS devices.
• McAfee Antivirus Plus: allows installations on multiple devices.
• Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security: best choice for premium features.
• Malwarebytes: provides the best antimalware protection and scanning.

Any of these will provide enough protection. But some are a little better than others, which is usually reflected in the price. However, for the most part, premium features are business-specific. And a system like Malwarebytes is generally enough for basic cybersecurity.

Hire a Managed IT Service

Installing and managing cybersecurity can become expensive if your business is anything larger than a couple of employees. However, you might not be able to afford a full-time IT technician or network manager to handle security. Fortunately, managed IT services offer cybersecurity as part of their packages for a fraction of the cost. In addition, most provide tiered pricing, which typically depends on your business size and needs. For most small to medium businesses, the price is relatively little. And they will handle backups, updates and real-time network monitoring.

Keeping Software Updated Will Boost Cybersecurity

One of the main ways someone can gain access to your systems is by exploiting security vulnerabilities in software and operating systems. Hackers look for ways into a system that a piece of software essentially leaves open. This is known as a backdoor. A typical example is when a software company might need to access your systems remotely for troubleshooting. But backdoors are often found by hackers or leaked. However, most software developers are quick to patch them. But you are responsible for patching. So keep all your software updated.

Don’t Forget About Firmware

Like software backdoors, hackers can also use hardware backdoors. One way is through firmware. Firmware is the program used to operate a processor or hardware device inside a system. Sometimes, these can be exploited. One such example is Samsung’s printers, where the company used a generic admin access username and password. These were leaked on the dark web and gave hackers a golden ticket into many business networks. So like software, always keep your device firmware updated to help prevent unauthorized access.

Summary

It’s not difficult to boost cybersecurity. Some tips include using a VPN when accessing the web, implementing password policies and keeping software and firmware updated.