October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month!
On an individual level, many of us don’t think too much about cybersecurity until something bad happens. However, businesses need cybersecurity at the core of their operations to protect not just their data but their customers’ data, too.
We are the champions!
As a developer of solutions for all kinds of organizations – from small start-ups to large corporations, as well as ones needing fully secure products, such as military and financial institutions – NetSupport knows how important it is for businesses to keep data safe and operate securely.
And because we’ve evidenced our dedication to cybersecurity to the National Cybersecurity Alliance (the organization behind Cybersecurity Awareness Month), we’ve been recognized as a Cybersecurity Awareness Month champion!
Be cyber secure, every day
Sometimes, when companies are just starting out, setting up cybersecurity measures is one of those jobs that gets pushed to the bottom of the list as there are far more important things to do – like making money! But ‘cybersecurity’ shouldn’t just be a one-off task on a to-do list; there are all kinds of ways to keep data protected and systems secure, and it’s something that needs thinking about every day.
Here are some best practice points to consider:
- Educate your employees. Good cybersecurity starts with employees, so educating them and keeping them up to date with the latest cybersecurity trends, such as how to spot phishing emails and avoid malicious downloads, is your first line of defense.
- Use strong passwords and password managers. Password requirements get ever more complicated! These days, most specify that they should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. If multiple passwords like this are too much to remember, consider using a password manager solution. These can help you create and store strong passwords for all of your personal or business accounts.
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA). The idea behind MFA is that it makes it much more difficult for cybercriminals to access your personal or business accounts, even if they have somehow managed to get the password. MFA asks users to enter a code from their phone in addition to their password, providing an extra layer of security.
- Install updates. Installing updates as soon as they are available ensures your solutions are always as secure as possible. Software vendors regularly release updates to fix security vulnerabilities, so they’ve done the hard work – all your business has to do is install them!
- Install antivirus and antimalware software. Protecting your devices from viruses and malware is a no-brainer, and installing these solutions is never a waste of money.
- Back up data. This could be your saving grace in the event of a cyberattack, helping you recover more quickly.
Be sure to check out these cybersecurity resources for businesses so your organization can be a champion, too!