My DartPoints Portal
As everything is connected online, cybersecurity has become a critical concern that cannot be ignored. Organizations of all sizes and industries must proactively safeguard themselves against the ever-evolving cybersecurity threats and risks.
Cyberattacks will increase, especially targeting critical sectors such as healthcare. A security breach can hinder your organization’s reputation, damage customers’ trust, cripple your operations, and cause identity theft. As a result, you can lose business and struggle to gain consumer trust. Additionally, in the worst cases, a business can have serious legal trouble and result in a complete collapse of the company.
Therefore, preventing cyberthreats is the key to keeping your company secure. Let’s discover more about emerging cybersecurity threats, cybersecurity solutions, and how you can implement and protect your business.
Understanding Cybersecurity Threats
Cybersecurity risks come from all angles, and it’s essential to understand the different types of threats. This means not just recognizing them but also using the proper cybersecurity for your business.
Malware, Phishing, DDoS attacks
Malware is short for “malicious software” and refers to software designed to infiltrate and damage computer systems without the user’s consent. This software invades your systems and evades any security antivirus software, installing itself without your knowledge and permission.
Phishing attempts come in the form of fake emails that trick you into clicking on provided links so they can install viruses or malware.
DDoS attacks, or Distributed Denial of Service Attacks, are when a cybercriminal floods your network with traffic so customers, partners, and employees can’t access your networks.
Ransomware
One of the latest and scariest forms of malware is ransomware. This locks you out of your systems to demand a ransom in exchange for returning your vital information.
Insider Threats
Insider threats sound scary, but the intent is rarely malicious. In essence, this is a threat that comes from within your organization. Sometimes, the threat is caused by someone not trying to cause the company harm. It can often be an employee who takes important files home to continue working or forgets to log out before going home.
It’s important to prevent all cyberthreats, including insider threats.
Establish a Secure Foundation for Your Business
How does cybersecurity work? What type of cybersecurity solutions are there?
Cybersecurity solutions aim to prevent data breaches or malicious intent and educate all parties from accidentally allowing these threats to enter your network.
So, what steps can you take to ensure you have the best cybersecurity for your business?
The role of strong passwords
It sounds like a no-brainer, but cybercriminals are great at guessing passwords. It’s vital to use a combination of numbers, letters, and special characters when you can.
One of the best things you can do is use a passphrase instead of a single word.
Two-factor authentication
When given the option, always choose a two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication allows an extra layer of protection from cybercriminals.
Even if someone guesses your password correctly, two-factor authentication sends a code to your phone or email as extra security. This extra step prevents cybercriminals from accessing your network.
Keeping software and systems updated
Update your software and systems whenever it is available. For example, if you’re using widgets in your WordPress website or have specific antivirus and other software installed on your computers, it’s essential to keep these updated.
Software updates are important because they often catch security vulnerabilities before anyone can exploit them.
Regular data backups
Data backups are essential. Not only are you saving all your previous work at regular intervals (hourly, or daily), but in the event of lost data or malware installation, you will only lose work to the time of the last backup.
These cybersecurity solutions serve as a basis for a strong foundation, but they only work correctly if all your employees are on board.
Network Security Measures
Securing your network is critical. It will protect all connected devices, such as computers, laptops, smartphones, etc. Let’s explore some of your network security options.
Securing Wi-Fi networks
Your Wi-Fi network is one way cybercriminals can access your confidential data. Therefore, it’s vital to secure them.
Here are a few steps you can take:
- Change the default name and password of your Wi-Fi.
- Create a strong Wi-Fi password.
- Switch on network encryption.
- Turn off the broadcasting of your SSID.
- Keep your router’s software up to date.
- Have a good firewall.
- Use VPNs.
Implement network segmentation
An effective way to reduce an attack is by using network segmentation. Network segmentation divides a network into smaller subnetworks with unique security policies and protocols.
It can isolate attacks to section off malware, so the cyberthreat doesn’t spread to other systems. It also separates your network into zones.
Network monitoring
Network monitoring is crucial to detect security threats and vulnerabilities in network devices and traffic. Automating this process helps organizations respond quickly to cybersecurity breaches.
Training & Reporting
Educating employees and users
Cybersecurity is a necessity that should be a number one priority for your business. Therefore, educating employees about cybersecurity measures and protecting their vital information and the organization’s assets is a great way to keep everyone on the same page.
Educating employees and users is a continual effort. When a new security update or measures are installed, the organization must learn how to use and implement them.
Recognizing phishing attempts
Phishing can be difficult to recognize. Additionally, many cybercriminals have gone above and beyond to fool you into clicking on the dangerous links within their emails.
So, how do we recognize these incredibly realistic phishing attempts? Train your employees to look out for them.
Having regular simulations will teach your users to spot the best attempts. Showing them what to look for will ensure no one is accidentally tricked into allowing cybercriminals to gain access to your network.
Reporting suspicious activity
Teaching your users and employees to report anything they might deem suspicious is a great way to catch cybercriminal activity.
Now that you’ve trained your employees, what network security measures can you use to protect your enterprise?
Emerging Technologies in Cybersecurity
Protecting your business against cybercriminals is an everyday feat, not just for organizations but for everyone. That’s why new technologies emerge to help the good fight. So, what are some new cybersecurity solutions that are worth trying?
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Artificial intelligence has emerged in almost every field. Therefore, it’s no surprise that it can also help in cybersecurity.
AI can use machine learning to help secure your networks. It classifies data and predicts outcomes to let you know if there are vulnerabilities within your network.
Blockchain for data integrity
Blockchain technology allows users to transfer and record data securely and transparently.
Zero-trust security models
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), or Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP), is IT security granting secure remote access to files, applications, data, and services.
ZTNA continually verifies users who attempt access by only opening specific areas on a need-to-know basis.
It does this by authenticating users, applications, and devices. It verifies context, identity, and trust every time to keep you safe and protected from unwanted cybercriminals.
Prevent Cybersecurity Attacks with DartPoints as Your Trusted Partner
It is important to recognize that the battle against cybersecurity threats is an ongoing commitment that requires a proactive approach. Implementing solid cybersecurity measures by updating software regularly, enforcing strong password policies, educating employees, and deploying cutting-edge security technologies can significantly diminish the risk of cyberattacks.
Cybersecurity is a never-ending journey that demands continuous adaptation and vigilance. To safeguard your sensitive information and private data, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and protective strategies.
As your trusted partner, we are committed to reinforcing your defenses against cybercriminals. At DartPoints, we provide your business with expert and tailored cybersecurity solutions to secure your network in the face of evolving cyberthreats.
Contact us today to strengthen your cybersecurity, and together, we can build a more secure digital future for your organization.