cyber security

10 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Secure Your Business

It is no secret that we are increasingly becoming more and more dependent on technology, which makes us, and the entire world, more connected than ever. However, beyond the positives come the 600% rise in cybercrimes during the pandemic. It is also enough to prove that hackers target anyone, regardless of the industry, business size, or location. Based on historical trends and the current business landscape where most embraced remote and hybrid work, cybercrime numbers are predicted not to slow down. If these cyberattacks happen to you, will you be ready? Gaining secure and functional cyberspace is integral part of modern online activities.

If you want to streamline yet strengthen your security posture, Microsoft is one of the trusted names in cybersecurity. More than its array of security tools and products, the leading technology company also allocates more than $1 billion to protect its customers and to ensure continuous vigilance against cyberattacks. The best way to stay safe is to remember that  cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. ECF Data have a tremendous responsibility to carry out the safety of cyberspace. Help us celebrate Cybersecurity Month with the tagline #Cybersmart, and take these ridiculously easy ways to secure your business with you.

10 Things You Can Do to Be Cyber Smart With Your Business 

  1. Know and Classify your Data: Audits

The best way to secure your business effectively means that you know the data that you have. Conducting scanning of data repositories and doing a security audit can help prepare your data for the next steps. Because not all data is equal, you must determine and classify it. Sensitive data should be stored in a specific place separate from the others. The classification can be updated as data is formed, changed, processed, and transferred.   

Microsoft 365 has a Data Classification feature that lets you put sensitivity labels to content. These labels can be categorized further, stating how sensitive it is and how they should be treated (ex., encryption or mandatory watermarking). Data marked highly sensitive will be monitored as to which location it is placed and is enabled with endpoint protection so that you can prohibit it from leaving your organization. 

  1. Administer and Regularly Update Security Policies

Data classification should be complemented with security policies. Having clear cybersecurity policies can provide employees, including those in their onboarding process, with transparent instructions on what is acceptable and not regarding using computers and devices, accessing websites, and sharing data. Details like access types, the criteria for data access, users who are granted access to data, best practices for proper data use, etc., should all be stated. Moreover, consequences for policy breaches should be implied.   

  1. Use Multi-Factor Authentication

One of the most common verification methods for most online services and computers is through passwords. Implementing a multi-factor authentication (also known as two-step verification) adds another layer of security by requiring the user to provide a code, use an authentication app, or give a unique biological attribute like fingerprint or face on their phone to sign into.    

  1. Protect all Devices

A clear and extensive policy regarding customers bringing and using personal devices should be created. It should cover data deletion, Internet monitoring challenges, and location tracking. Since more companies are adopting remote work and are implementing Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD) to reduce overhead costs and increase productivity, it exposes the business to security concerns if best practices are not followed.   

Microsoft Azure offers programs such as Enterprise Mobility and Security to secure devices. 

  1. Secure your Administrator Accounts

Admins, generally are more prone to cyberattacks due to their heightened privileges. There are a few ways to prevent this, such as:  

  • Set up and manage the ideal number of administrator and user accounts. 
  • Provide users and applications the privileges that are only apt for them to perform their jobs.  
  • Have an emergency admin account (referred to as a break-glass account). Through this, you can avoid locking yourself out in case there’s an emergency that the device for MFA gets lost. Just make sure to complement it with a strong password.  
  • If you are an administrator, be more mindful when logging into the account. Make sure that you are logged out in your personal or other work accounts, other browser tabs are closed, and you are using a private or incognito browser.
  1. Consider Microsoft Defender for Business and Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Though Microsoft offers an entire range of products, the Defender for Business and Microsoft 365 Business Premium provide new opportunities to help you scale with value-add managed services.   

The Defender for Business is made for Small-Medium Businesses. Constituting 90% of businesses, SMBs are the foundation of the US economy. But, because they usually lack the resources, specifically security, they become easy targets for hackers. Defender for Business provides the five phases of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework. It’s an easy-to-use, cost-effective solution to secure and remediate against detected and unknown threats.   

Availing of the Microsoft 365 Business Premium license increases your organization’s threat protection because of its preset security policies. This feature helps you save time in configuring and setting up, as there are already recommended settings for anti-malware, anti-phishing, and anti-spam protection. But, if you want to heighten the level of security, you can still tweak the security settings. 

  1. Beware of Questionable Emails and Phone calls

Inspiring hackers of outdoor activity fishing, “phishing scams” is like baiting, but with your account information through emails, phone, text, or social networking sites. You will be asked to “log in” to your account by putting information like your email, password, and credit card information. In reality, it’s just a way for hackers to steal your information. These messages usually are in disguise to look, and sound official-looking, so paying attention to the email address used, grammar, and tone of the message can save your organization a lot.   

  1. Educate your Staff

Verizon’s 2022 Data Breaches Investigations Report shows that 82% of data breaches include a human element. The rise of online and hybrid work as an after-effect of the pandemic also indicates that this number has no signs of slowing down. This alarming statistic, not to mention the huge amounts of damage endured, is enough to consider it one of the most significant security threats for businesses.   

There’s a silver lining here, nonetheless. Training and empowering the staff on how to apply cybersecurity best practices and identifying and adequately responding to these threats can make a difference in preventing them. 

  1. Keep your Software Up-to-Date All the Time

Software updates are not only created to introduce new features to your devices, networks, and operating systems. It is also intended for your security systems, such as antivirus and patches. Using your programs and applications’ older versions exposes your system to particular vulnerabilities, making it an open ground for hackers.   

  1. Employ Expert Help 

Round-the-clock monitoring of threats can be expensive. Seeking the help of managed providers covers everything that you need regarding cybersecurity in a more cost-effective manner. Companies like ECF Data conduct security assessments before recommending the appropriate plan, assist with encrypting, store backups, and schedule and install software patches.   

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