We live in an increasingly digital world. This is great for operational efficiency and business growth. The flip side of this is that new cyber threats emerge all the time.
To tackle IT risks, you need to know what they are. It is important to be aware that risk can never be completely eliminated. It is more a question of understanding the risks and having a robust IT strategy in place to mitigate them.
Here are the most commons risks and how to combat them:
Ransomware. This is not a new threat; ransomware has been around for around 20 years. But it is a growing one since it is a relatively easy way for hackers to gain financial reward. As the name suggests, ransomware is a kind of malware attack that prevents users from accessing their system of files and demands ransom payment in order to regain access. You can take steps against ransomware by investing in a good quality cybersecurity product that will both shield your systems from threats as well is block the ransomware from holding files/
Phishing attacks. These are the practice of sending fraudulent communications that appear to be from a reputable source. The goal is to steal sensitive data like credit card and login information. The most effective method for countering phishing attacks is to add email threat protection, Two-factor authentication (2FA) is also effective. With 2FA a password alone is not enough to gain entry, even if an employee’s credentials are compromised. Educating your employees on secure practices, such as not clicking on external links can help diminish the threat of phishing attacks.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) working. Allowing your staff to work from their own familiar device is a mixed blessing. On the one hand is cost effective, can improve productivity and increase employee satisfaction. On the other hand, personal devices do not fall under the same protocols as company devices, which can leave them exposed to security breaches. Comprehensive security training is crucial for staff using their own device. You should equip your staff with the skills to recognise an attack and to react appropriately.
Failure to manage updates. Cyber criminals actively seek holes in software security. Software developers are constantly looking for clues that hackers are trying to break into their systems or searching for potential vulnerabilities. To fix these issues and improve security, software companies release regular updates. If you fail to install updates and the latest software patches, then your business will become vulnerable to security breaches.
Human error. Finally, we come to the potential IT risk posed by human error. It is virtually impossible to guarantee that every member of your team is operating within strict compliance all the time. From responding to a phishing email by mistake, to using a weak password, human error is going to happen. The only solution to human error in IT is to educate your team so that they recognise a threat.
Cyber security threats are not slowing down. It is vital that businesses take active steps to protect their systems and follow best practice in terms of staff training and awareness.
Firstcom offers a comprehensive range of cyber security packages that can help safeguard your company.
Get in touch – 0333 0237000
