Cybercrime threatens all organizations and online consumers in today’s highly connected digital environment. Robust cybersecurity solutions are required as the number and sophistication of cyber-attacks rise. Preventing these attacks can save money and protect your reputation.
We’ve prepared five tips to avoid cyber attacks to help you and your organization stay safe from cyber threats. Here are the steps you can take immediately to help prevent attacks:
1. Keep Systems Up-To-Date
Systems that aren’t updated regularly can leave weaknesses in your networks that cybercriminals can exploit. According to industry research, unpatched systems cost organizations 54% more than compromises caused by social engineering attacks. Investing in a patch management system that automates software updates helps counteract this risk.
2. Create Strong Passwords
One of the most essential tips to avoid cyber-attacks is to create strong passwords and change them regularly. Strong passwords don’t contain references to your personal information, username, or company name. It should also be at least seven characters long, comprising uppercase, lowercase, numeric and special characters. Setting different passwords for each application is also crucial to prevent cyber criminals from hacking into several systems when it gets compromised.
3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a technology that requires a user to provide two or more verification credentials to gain access to an account, application, or VPN. This additional layer of protection is a crucial component of access management that reduces the risk of unauthorized access for organizations. Using MFA and setting strong passwords can help maintain a higher level of protection against threat actors.
4. Invest in Endpoint Security
Devices connected to corporate networks can be exploited by malicious actors, paving the way for a successful cyber-attack. Endpoint security entails securing all possible entry points of end-user devices, including laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, via endpoint protection software. This protection is considered the frontline of a strong cybersecurity management system.
5. Use a Firewall
A firewall is a security system that monitors network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between your internal network and incoming traffic from external sources to defend your system against viruses, malware, and unauthorized access. Installing a firewall can help you block malicious attempts to penetrate your private network and protect your data against hackers.
While combating cybercrime threats in an ever-connected world might be challenging, these top five tips to avoid cyber-attacks can help you get started. Prevention is the key, and investing in solid cybersecurity solutions may significantly protect you and your organization.