6 tips that will help you reduce cybersecurity risk for your business

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As a business owner, you know many risks come with operating your company. One of the most significant risks to consider is cybersecurity risk. If your business falls victim to a cyberattack, you could lose valuable data or even go out of business. That’s why it’s essential to reduce your risk of being hacked. The following six tips will help you do just that.
1. Update your software
Cybercriminals are always looking for vulnerabilities in software so they can exploit them. By keeping your software updated, you can close any holes that might be open for attack. To update your software, you’ll need to check for manufacturer updates regularly. You can usually set your software to update automatically, but it’s also a good idea to check manually.
Updating your software isn’t just crucial for cybersecurity purposes. It can also help improve the performance of your devices and keep them running smoothly. Outdated software can cause problems like crashes and slowdowns. So, updating your software can provide several benefits for your business. If you’re unsure how to update your software, you can contact the manufacturer or ask an IT professional for help.
2. Reduce your attack surface
One way to reduce your cybersecurity risk is to reduce your attack surface. Your attack surface is the area of your network vulnerable to attack. According to the team at informer.io, by using an external attack surface management platform, you can monitor your exposure over time. Vulnerabilities are constantly changing, and new ones are always being discovered. By monitoring your exposure regularly, you can ensure you are always aware of the latest threats and take steps to protect your business accordingly. You can reduce your attack surface by:
- Minimizing the number of internet-connected devices.
- Disabling unnecessary services and ports.
- Segmenting your network.
- Implementing a firewall.
3. Use strong passwords
Using strong passwords is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your accounts from being hacked. A strong password should be at least eight characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It’s also important to avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or your company name. If you’re having trouble creating a strong password, you can use a password generator to create one.
Once you have a strong password, keeping it safe is important. Never write your passwords down or store them in an unsecured location. And, if possible, avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. If you need help remembering all of your passwords, you can use a password manager.
4. Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that can help protect your accounts from being hacked. With two-factor authentication, you’ll need to enter your password, and a code sent to your phone or email before you can log in. This makes it harder for hackers to access your account, even if they have your password. Enabling two-factor authentication is a great way to protect your business from cyberattacks. However, it’s important to remember that two-factor authentication is not foolproof. If a hacker has access to your phone or email, they may still be able to log into your account.
5. Train your employee
Your employees are one of your biggest assets but can also be a significant security risk. Hackers often target businesses by targeting their employees. Employees typically have access to sensitive information and may be unaware of the latest cybersecurity threats. To protect your business, training your employees on cybersecurity best practices is important. This includes teaching them how to spot phishing emails, create strong passwords, and keep their personal information safe. You can also provide them with resources they can use if they suspect their account has been hacked. Always provide regular training to keep them up-to-date.
6. Monitor activity

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Keep an eye on your network traffic and logins to identify suspicious activity. If you see anything that looks out of the ordinary, investigate. You can also set up alerts to notify you of any unusual activity on your network. You should also have a system in place for logging all activity on your network. This way, if there is a security breach, you can track down the source and take appropriate action. You can use it to monitor your network by using:
- A firewall.
- An intrusion detection system.
- A web filtering tool.
Cybersecurity is a vital concern for any business, large or small. You can protect your business from attacks by taking steps to reduce your risk. However, it’s important to remember the best way to protect your business is always to be aware of the latest threats and take steps to mitigate them. Cybersecurity is an ever-changing landscape, so stay up-to-date on the latest threats and trends.