Protect Your Business from Cyber Attacks

If your business doesn’t have proper cyber protection and procedures in place, there’s a lot that can go wrong. Many companies think they’re protected, when they may be guilty of practicing poor cyber security habits and failing to achieve proper industrial cyber security for their industry.

Small businesses are some of the biggest targets for cyber attacks with nearly half of all attacks experienced by small companies. But as you’ve probably heard, even major corporations like Equifax, Yahoo, Target, and Sony Pictures have experienced significant cyber attacks.

Companies who using equipment in manufacturing or distribution need to consider SCADA cyber security. A SCADA attack could cause pumps and motors to run faster, equipment to turn on and off, and controls or values to switch incorrectly. Cyber attacks of this sort could lead to damaged machines or other destruction.

Is your business protected? Be sure to implement these tips to avoid cyber protection pitfalls.

Safeguard Your Email

One of the biggest cyber security crimes is email theft. Not protecting your email puts your business at a big risk. Use a spam filter on your email and scan your email attachments. Studies show that nine out of ten viruses infect a computer through an email attachment.

Email spyware protection and instant messaging protection are also important and available with many security software productions. When sending sensitive or personally identifiable information, email encryption technologies can help protect individual emails. Email encryption uses a public key encoding system which is so hard to compromise that many refer to it as military grade security.

Use Difficult Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

Simple password-cracking tools are all it takes for hackers to guess your passwords correctly. This can give them quick access to your email, laptops, or other sensitive accounts.

To make matters worse, people reuse their passwords across multiple platforms. Whether it’s laziness or a true struggle to keep passwords straight, people stick to one scheme for all accounts. Unfortunately, this makes it quicker and easier for hackers to access multiple accounts in a short period of time.

Two-factor authentication keeps hackers from gaining free reign of your system once they crack your password. Adding a two-factor authentication step makes hacking even more challenging.

Not sure where to start? Free tools are available for email protection, antivirus software, password helpers, and scans to help you up your game for cyber protection.

Back Up Business Data Properly

Many businesses don’t have their data backed up securely which puts their business at risk should a cyber attack, system crash, or natural disaster occurs. Small businesses may benefit from backing up data with online programs using “versioning” to see the different versions of files. Though you may prefer local backups, viruses and malware often look for and encrypt local devices.

Keep Your Software Updated

To protect your computers, phones, and apps, always keep your software up-to-date. Many network hacks are due to unpatched exploits. While watching the update circle spin for 30 minutes on your computer can be annoying, it’s better than unknowingly exposing yourself to a virus through outdated software.

If you’re a business looking for easy and effective industrial cyber security or SCADA cyber security solutions, Tempered Solutions has just what you’re looking for. Get your business’ network security up to speed by contacting us today.