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What is Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity, or computer security, is the protection of networks, systems, and devices from digital attacks, keeping data confidential and out of unauthorized hands. Cyber attacks are often in the form of someone trying to access, change, or destroy information by extorting money from users or disrupting business processes.

This is often difficult to do because of the sheer number of devices in the world and because attackers come up with new and innovative ways to steal information every day. Despite this, there are still measures you can take to improve your computer security.

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Why Cybersecurity Is Important

All of our data is stored somewhere online and when you run a business that has access to customer information, it is even more crucial to protect information. Clients are trusting you to keep their data safe and with threats that can come in the form of spyware, ransomware, malware, and other harmful viruses, brute-force hacks, and other cyber-attacks, having the appropriate measures in place can prevent vital information from being compromised.

Computer Network

Everything going on in your work environment is dependent on your computer network. If the network goes down, your work is likely to come to a halt. On top of needing to protect your information, it’s also important to understand your network and ensure it is in proper working order so you can get on with your work day and protect your and your customers’ data.

Security Plan

With your entire office on one computer network, this means that a lot of information is transferring back and forth. A bigger network means a greater need to protect your data, which brings to light the necessity of a network security plan. No plan is full-proof 100% of the time, but having a plan in place reduces the risks of threats like cyber-attacks and stolen or lost data. Implementing the measures listed below helps create the backbone for your security plan and can lead to safer data.

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Cyber Security Best Practices

Cyber attacks can happen to any individual and any business, small or large. It is particularly important for businesses to protect their data because they have been put in a position of trust. They hold information for potentially hundreds of customers. 

You may think that being a smaller business makes you less attractive to cyber criminals, but that assumption would be wrong. Cyber criminals often suspect that smaller businesses have less protections in place and are easier to infiltrate. So, no matter the size of your business, it is essential for every employee to do their part in protecting data.

To better protect you and your data against a cyber attack, we put together a list of some of our cybersecurity best practices. Each measure is a relatively easy step that, combined with the others, can lead to safer network security.

Create a Firewall

A firewall is your first line of defense in keeping your data protected. It will filter the incoming and outgoing traffic that your network receives and restrict certain data from entering into your network if it seems it is unsafe or harmful. Not only does a firewall need to be installed on your office network, but if you have employees working from home, they will need a home firewall, as well.

Run the Latest System

Whether you’re using Windows, Apple, or something else, it’s important for cybersecurity to make sure your devices are updated to the most current versions of the systems. If you’re running an old system, this means that your device, and therefore your data, is vulnerable. Update your system when there is a new version available for the best protection at the earliest convenience. We know how much of a hassle it is to come back to a computer in the middle of updating, but it’s an essential step in ensuring the safety of your computer data. Pick a time that works for your schedule and make sure the update happens. 

Run Antivirus and Antimalware Software

Both antivirus and antimalware are softwares designed to detect, protect against, and remove unwanted and harmful software. These programs can’t protect you against every type of cyber attack, but they are a great line of defense for viruses and other malwares. 

Backup Your Data

Backing up your data is a smart idea whether or not you are trying to protect against hackers, but it’s a crucial step when it comes to preventing or recovering from attacks. We recommend the 3-2-1 data backup rule: three copies of protection for your data in two different formats and one off-site backup.

Run the Current Versions of Applications

As with your system, keeping your software and other applications updated protects you against vulnerabilities that older versions might have—the enhanced features are just a perk. If you can, set your apps to auto-update so that you are always caught up and running the best programs.

Use Password Protection

An easy way to ensure the security of your data is to use complicated passwords. Use longer, unique passwords that are over eight characters that combine a mix of numbers, capital and lowercase letters, and symbols. Avoid common words and names and change the passwords every so often. You can also use an auto-fill password system and an account-lockout policy to further protect you and your business.

Multi-Factor Authentication

On top of creating strong passwords, you can also implement multi-factor authentication to further protect your data. Multi-step authentication is like when your bank app sends a code to your phone, even after you put in your password. It’s another wall between hackers and your information and that protection is well-worth the few extra seconds of inconvenience.

Secure Your Wi-Fi

Make sure your office Wi-Fi is secure and hidden. Public Wi-Fi networks could put your data in a vulnerable position, so even if you are working remotely, make sure you are using a private and secure network. 

Look Out for Phishing

Antivirus and antimalware software is essential to protect against cyber attacks, however part of your employee training may want to include warnings of phishing. Avoiding links from strange emails and pop-ups can go a long way in protecting you and your data. Never give personal or company information in an email to address you don’t recognize.

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Axiom Can Help

Axiom Solutions offers personal guidance to help you keep your and your clients’ data safe. Using computers shouldn’t make your business more complicated. We are dedicated to supporting your growth and solving your specific problems with a suite of IT solutions. We provide off-site data storage and other necessary security measures to ensure protection.

If you’re unsure about what you have in place already or what you need going forward, give us a call and we can do a full security audit. Discover more information about Axiom and our computer security advice on our blog.

Our Process

Through our proven Five Step Process, our technicians can help fix the IT challenges your business is facing. We start by assessing every part of your current computer security environment and build from there. We will find and resolve any issues in real time.

6 Benefits of Managed I.T. Services

• Reduced cost
• Significantly less downtime
• Increased operational efficiency
• One phone call to a local company with enterprise-level IT support
• Your employees do their job and don’t “learn” IT when things break
• Allows the focus to be on running your business, and not the technology
• Peace of mind from knowing that the network is monitored 24/7/365