Cyberattacks are a growing threat to every modern business. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in networks connected to the internet and steal the private account information of clients. Hackers can also corrupt data and destroy important records. Cybersecurity has become a major issue even with logistics companies. Here are 8 tips for improving cybersecurity.
1: Strong Passwords
Computer systems are often hacked because the passwords are weak. Many users simply reuse the same password for everything. If a hacker is able to use a phishing scam or set up a semi-legitimate website to get users registered, they can take the universal passwords and crack into pertinent networks and accounts of that person.
Hacking can initially take the form of surveillance. The hackers can install spyware on any cellphone or computer to track the target. Once they find out that they work for a particular company, they can steal the passwords or try using common passwords used in multiple applications to break in.
A strong password will have letters, numbers, and alpha-numeric symbols. The longer the password, the harder it will be to crack. Forcing employees to use special computer-generated passwords for work computers and advising them to never store the passwords on any device can prevent attacks.
2: Two-Step Authentication
Two-step authentication requires someone trying to log on with a password to also verify their identity with proven ownership of a cellphone or email address. A code is sent to the phone number or email to enter before the log-on will be accepted. Although this can be a hassle for day-to-day logins, it is important for logistic companies to implement these policies.
3: Back Up Data
Ensuring that data is routinely backed up on dedicated servers will prevent the loss and corruption of valuable information. It can be very expensive for a business to lose years of business records and can lead to bankruptcy in the worst-case scenario. It pays to ensure that a clean version of data is stored safely off-site by scanning it for viruses and separating it from the active network.
4: Update Software
Many software systems used by logistics companies are outdated. Updates typically identify weaknesses in the security of a system and can thwart hackers from accessing data. Patches and updates must be installed to work.
5: Limit Access
By limiting access to proprietary data, it is easier to protect company secrets and sensitive information. The company’s network should have limited features for general employees and more advanced functions for administrators.
6: Hire Hackers
Hackers are not all criminals. Some hackers or former hackers simply know how to crack security systems but only do it to help businesses improve their cybersecurity systems. Companies can now hire hackers to identify weaknesses in their cybersecurity systems. Talented hackers are aware of common attacks and exploitation methods and will find a way into your network if there are any vulnerabilities.
7: Educate Employees
Educating employees on the risks of cybersecurity threats, especially those with higher security clearance, can prevent many weaknesses. Creating policies for workers to separate personal devices from work devices and enforcing it by monitoring company devices can ward off many threats.
8: Do Not Access the Internet
When it comes to highly sensitive information, the data is best protected when employees must access it on an internal system with no internet access. Internet ports are the weakest part of any computer network.
The communication ports have to open to let data in and can easily be fooled into letting Trojan horses pass through the IP gateway. By using dedicated computers that are isolated from the internet, the threat of hackers is limited to internal security. Internal threats are much easier to control.