- Strengthen Your Digital Defenses
Ensure your business has strong protection in place, such as firewalls and up-to-date antivirus software. Martin Rico, CEO of Inspired eLearning, compares an unprotected network to leaving your doors wide open. Cybercriminals use automated tools to search for vulnerable systems, so a properly configured router with its firewall activated is essential. - Keep Up with Emerging Threats
Cyber risks evolve rapidly. For instance, a phishing scam in Brazil rerouted users to fake banking websites using Trojan-loaded emails. If computer security settings are too low, even opening such an email can compromise your system. Stay informed and cautious to reduce the risk of falling victim to such schemes. - Encrypt Sensitive Data
Lisa Sotto, who leads the privacy and data protection team at Hunton & Williams LLP, emphasizes encryption. Laptops and any files containing critical business or customer information should always be encrypted. Frequent updates to your security software also help ensure your systems are protected against new threats. - Involve Your Team in Security Efforts
Employee habits often determine a company’s vulnerability. Steven Domenikos of IdentityTruth highlights the importance of encouraging workers to follow basic security practices like updating passwords regularly and protecting their home computers. Hackers often rely on these oversights to gain access. - Avoid Storing Credit Card Information
Richard Stiennon from Fortinet strongly advises against storing credit card details. Not only is it against Payment Card Industry guidelines, but it’s also unnecessary and dangerous. If you don’t retain the data, there’s nothing for cybercriminals to steal. - Dispose of Documents Properly
Tim Rhodes of WebArgos points out that sensitive paperwork can lead to breaches if it’s simply thrown in the trash. Every business should invest in shredders and encourage employees—especially remote workers—to use them consistently. Poor document disposal remains a major oversight in many companies. - Secure Mobile Devices
With devices like laptops and smartphones frequently being lost or stolen, it’s crucial to protect them. MacDonnell Ulsch of Jefferson Wells warns that theft can happen in mere seconds. Encourage employees to stay vigilant when traveling and report lost devices right away, especially if those devices aren’t encrypted. - Keep Software Up to Date
New system vulnerabilities are uncovered all the time. Bret Padres of Mandiant recommends enabling automatic updates, especially on Windows systems, so your security patches are always current. Ignoring updates can leave you exposed to avoidable threats. - Vet Your Internet Provider
Not all Internet service providers take security seriously. Roger Thompson from Exploit Prevention Labs suggests researching a provider’s security track record before signing up. If they shift the blame to users when breaches occur, it may be a red flag. - Prepare for the Worst
Even the best security can’t guarantee full protection. Judd Rousseau from Identity Theft 911 advises every business to create an incident response plan. Being ready to act quickly in the event of a data breach can significantly reduce damage and help restore trust.
