HR

Eight Simple Steps to Avoid Cybersecurity Threats

Written by

OnBlick Inc

Updated On

September 15, 2023

Header image

Eight Simple Steps to Avoid Cybersecurity Threats

Cyber security has been an ever-growing concern for organizations since the pandemic. Cyberspace is the new workspace. Today, security and privacy are more important than ever before. The rise of connectivity has made many companies and organizations a prime target for malware.

This article will guide managers to tackle threats with simple tips.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cyber-security refers to techniques that a person or an organization can use to protect their networks and data from unauthorized access or theft. Criminals usually carry out cyber-attacks intending to steal money or other sensitive information. Several cyber security techniques can curb multiple attacks, such as unauthorized access and data loss. Cyber security allows organizations to work seamlessly without disruption.

Cyber security is a broad field that includes various techniques and procedures that guard multiple systems and assets against unauthorized access. Since protecting sensitive data and information from numerous types of threats has become an integral part of businesses in the pandemic era, it is high time that managers take the initiative to safeguard the ground for the company.

Types of Cyber Threats

Cyber threats are many different types. Some are more prevalent and less likely to catch you off guard than others.

Phishing: It is a type of cyber-attack that uses email to trick individuals into providing sensitive information or clicking on a link that leads to malware.

Malware: Often included in phishing emails, malware is a type of software that performs a malicious task on a server or a device it downloads onto.

MITM (Man In The Middle): A hacker can create a secure position between the intended recipient and the intended recipient, allowing them to modify or steal sensitive information.

Trojan: A Trojan horse is malware that tricks users into downloading it. It is usually a malicious piece of software that steals information and makes your system unusable.

Ransomware: Cryptic or hidden information attacks are usually carried out by individuals who demand a ransom in order to access a network or data.

Denial of Service/Distributed Denial of Service Attack (DDoS): A distributed denial of service attack is a type of attack that uses multiple devices to overload a website. It’s usually carried out by hackers looking to take control of the system.

Data breaches: Data breaches are different types of attacks. Hackers can perform them for various reasons. Some of these include trying to gain control of a corporation or an individual’s identity.

Tips to Avoid Cyber Threats

  • Having the latest anti-virus software is vital for a comprehensive defense against cybercrime. Aside from keeping up with the latest versions, users should also be wary of suspicious links and files.
  • There are several reasons why a password can be lost. Some attackers may try to guess it multiple times, while others may exploit social engineering to trick users into revealing their identity. Beware of password attacks.
  • Generally, avoid clicking on links in phishing emails. Also, avoid clicking on links that contain spelling and syntax errors.
  • The web pages must be encrypted to prevent them from being exploited by a malicious payload. There are also ways to enable users to turn off page scripts.
  • Getting hit with an exploit is very challenging, as it depends on the vendor and the user to find and fix the issue. To avoid hackers from using an exploit, it’s your job to keep all your software updated.
  • One way to prevent exploitation is by implementing smart firewalls. They can detect and filter out all incoming requests.
  • Being skeptical of suspicious emails, friend requests, and requests for personal information is also a good idea to avoid getting attacked.
  • Ensure that all the security apps and software are updated to prevent them from getting affected by Cryptojacking.

Ways to Safeguard the Company’s Data

Managers can make appropriate plans and implement them to avoid such breaches.

Keep the software up-to-date: Even though hackers don’t require much to enter your systems, having a regular scan is still very important. Also, keeping your software up-to-date is a crucial step to avoid exploitation.

Train your coop: Regular training on security issues is also a good practice. It can help your team identify phishing emails and other suspicious activities.

Use malware detectors: Unfortunately, hackers are trying to steal sensitive data or launch a malicious software attack most of the time. Due to the complexity of the threats, many companies use different software to detect and prevent insider threats.

Change your passwords often: Unfortunately, organizations make many common mistakes when it comes to protecting their systems. One of these is over-using the same password for both servers and PCs. Having a password management system is also a good idea. It can help employees create and distribute secure passwords without putting the company at risk. It can also prevent them from creating more complex passwords.

Encrypt important information: Another common mistake is storing sensitive data in plain text format. It’s crucial to ensure that all of this information is encrypted.

Limited access: One way to keep your customers and data safe is by limiting the number of times that people can access your web applications. This step can help prevent unauthorized users from accessing them.

Use safe payment gateways: One of the biggest threats to a company is attackers obtaining their credit card information. This can affect the company’s credibility and harm its customers. To avoid this, use third-party solutions like PayPal and Stripe.

Summing Up

It is essential to plan for the future of your company’s security. A comprehensive understanding of your organization’s weaknesses and potential threats can help prevent exploitation. Beware of cyber-attacks and be prepared.

Complete, Update and Retain Your Form I-9s Digitally

Learn More