Cyber risks come in many forms and can target different parts of your operations. Knowing where your vulnerabilities lie can help you take focused steps to guard against them. This involves looking at how you store data, interact with customers online, and handle your internal systems.
Recognizing these risks helps you see the bigger picture. It’s not just about preventing a single attack but about staying prepared for evolving threats. When you understand what could go wrong, you can prioritize the areas that need the most attention to build cyber resilience within your company.
Your Roadmap To A Stronger Cyber-Resilient Business
Building a strong defense for your business doesn’t have to be confusing. Here are 10 simple ways you can protect your company from cyber threats:
1. Secure Your Endpoints
Your endpoints—like computers, phones, and servers—are the frontlines of your business’s defense. If these devices are not properly protected, they can become easy targets for hackers. Endpoint protection platforms also offer advanced features, like detecting unusual behavior and blocking suspicious files before they cause harm.
Make sure your employees understand the importance of keeping their devices updated and secure, whether they’re working in the office or remotely.
2. Run Attack Simulations
Think of attack simulations, like penetration testing, as fire drills for your cyber defenses. These tests help you find and fix vulnerabilities before real hackers exploit them. For example, penetration testing simulates a hacker trying to break into your systems, showing you exactly where your defenses are weak.
These simulations are especially important for preparing against Ransomware attacks. Ransomware can lock your files and demand payment to unlock them, causing major disruptions. By testing your systems, you can identify gaps that Ransomware might exploit and strengthen those areas.
3. Comply With Security Standards & Regulations
Regulatory compliance is more than just checking boxes—it’s about protecting your business and the trust of your customers. Many industries are governed by stringent security standards to safeguard sensitive data. For instance:
- The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects patient health information in the healthcare industry.
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Safeguards Rule requires businesses to secure customer information, especially financial data.
- 23 NYCRR 500, a cybersecurity regulation issued by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), applies to financial services companies in New York to enforce strong Cybersecurity practices.
- The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) ensures personal data protection for EU citizens, affecting businesses worldwide.
Staying compliant means regularly reviewing your policies, updating your practices, and conducting audits to ensure you’re meeting these requirements. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and damage to your reputation, so it’s best to take these regulations seriously.
4. Have A Backup Plan
A solid backup plan is one of the most important defenses against data loss and Cyberattacks, especially ransomware. With backups, you can restore your data without paying a ransom. Set up automatic backups for your critical data, and store them in multiple locations, like a separate storage and offline drives.
Make sure your backups are secure by encrypting them and keeping them separate from your main systems. Test your backups regularly to confirm they work when you need them. A well-planned backup strategy ensures your business can recover quickly from any disruption, minimizing downtime and protecting your reputation.
5. Secure Your Web Applications
Web applications, such as your website, customer portals, or online payment systems, are common targets for Cyberattacks. Hackers often look for vulnerabilities, like weak coding or outdated software, to break in. To secure these applications, conduct regular vulnerability assessments.
- Internal vulnerability assessments focus on weaknesses within your network, ensuring that data and systems are well-protected.
- External vulnerability assessments test how secure your applications are against threats from outside your organization, like hackers trying to exploit exposed services.
6. Teach Your Team About Cyber Threats
Your employees need to be prepared. Hackers often rely on social engineering attacks to fool people into giving up sensitive information. Train your team to be aware of phishing emails that pretend to be from trusted sources but contain malicious links or attachments.
Also, cover other scams, like phone-based attacks, quishing, or fake tech support calls, which try to manipulate employees into revealing passwords or access details. Regular training sessions and reminders can keep Cybersecurity top-of-mind.
7. Use Strong Passwords & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Encourage your employees to create complex passwords that are difficult for hackers to guess. This means using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, and making passwords at least 12 characters long. Don’t use easily guessable information, like birthdays or common phrases.
In addition to strong passwords, implement MFA that requires users to provide two or more forms of verification to access their accounts. For example, after entering their password, employees may need to enter a code sent to their phone or authenticate via a fingerprint. This ensures that even if a password is compromised, attackers won’t be able to access the system without the second verification step.
8. Monitor Your Network
Hackers may try to slink into your systems through unnoticed vulnerabilities or by launching small, low-profile attacks. By using network monitoring tools, you can detect unusual activities, like unauthorized logins, unexpected data transfers, or attempts to access restricted files.
Real-time alerts from these tools can help you respond quickly before a threat causes damage. Additionally, network monitoring can help you identify patterns that might indicate a larger, more systematic attack. Regular monitoring and quick response are key to reducing the risk of data breaches and other cyber incidents.
9. Patch Your Systems & Software
Software updates are essential for maintaining security. Developers regularly release updates that often include important security patches, which is why it’s important not to ignore them.
Set up automatic updates where possible to ensure that your systems and applications are always running the latest, most secure versions. Also, make updating software a routine practice, including updating operating systems and business-critical applications.
10. Work With Cybersecurity Experts
You don’t have to handle Cybersecurity alone. If your business lacks the expertise or resources to manage security in-house, consider using Cybersecurity consulting experts. These professionals have the knowledge and tools to help you strengthen your defenses, respond to threats, and ensure ongoing compliance with industry standards.
Managed services also offer the benefit of 24/7 monitoring, regular security assessments, and access to advanced security technologies that might be out of reach for a smaller business. Working with experts not only enhances your security posture but also allows you to focus on running your business while leaving Cybersecurity in capable hands.
FAQ
What Is Cyber Resilience & Why Is It Important For My Business?
Cyber resilience refers to your company’s ability to quickly recover from Cyberattacks and continue operations without substantial disruption. It’s important because cyber threats are constantly evolving, and businesses need to be prepared not only to prevent attacks but also to bounce back quickly if they happen. Building cyber resilience helps protect your business from data loss, and financial and reputational damage.
How Can My Business Prepare For A Ransomware Attack?
One of the best ways to prepare for a Ransomware attack is to implement attack simulations, secure your endpoints, and have a backup strategy in place. Of course, training your employees is also key as they can identify phishing attempts, using strong passwords and MFA, which can all help prevent Ransomware from obtaining a foothold in your systems.
How Do I Ensure My Business Complies With Cybersecurity Regulations?
To stay compliant with Cybersecurity regulations, familiarize yourself with industry-specific laws like the FTC Safeguards Rule or the 23 NYCRR 500 for financial services. Regularly review your policies, perform risk assessments, and ensure your cybersecurity practices meet legal standards. You may also want to consult with Cybersecurity experts or legal advisors to ensure your business is fully compliant and up-to-date with all relevant regulations.
