With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses saw increased demand for remote working opportunities. And even after the pandemic, there was no going back from the same. However, this escalated the risk of cyberattacks resulting in tremendous loss of crucial business information and finances.

In fact, according to a report, about 20% of these cybersecurity incidents are attributed to remote working. But let’s also remember to mention the 80% that emphasizes the need for remarkable IT security practices for businesses worldwide. Regardless of their size and working mode, companies are challenged with an ever-growing disposition of cyberattacks leading to data breaches and leaks of sensitive financial and operational information. 

Fortunately, there are several best practices and tools available that can help protect organizations from these threats. You can proactively safeguard your business by adopting the below five measures and hiring local IT professionals like NicoletTech.com that cater to your IT needs. These measures will fortify your organization’s security posture and mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats. 

1. Utilize Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication 

One of the easiest ways to protect your business from cybercrime is by using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA). A strong password should contain at least eight characters with a combination of numbers, symbols, upper/lowercase letters, and non-dictionary words or phrases. It’s also vital to ensure users don’t reuse passwords across multiple accounts, making them vulnerable to attack. Additionally, MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring additional verification when logging into accounts – such as a one-time passcode sent via text message or email before granting access. 

2. Regularly Update Software & Operating Systems 

Outdated software leaves businesses susceptible to attacks due to known vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit if they become aware of them first. Therefore, it’s essential to regularly update all software applications and operating systems used within the organization to patch any potential security holes as soon as possible. For added convenience, you can also set up automated updates so everything remains current without manually doing it yourself each time something new comes out. Many organizations also benefit from partnering with trusted co-managed IT services to ensure updates are applied consistently and securely.

3. Monitor Network Activity & User Behavior 

Monitoring network activity helps identify suspicious behavior on your system, which could indicate an attempted breach or malicious intent from someone inside the company (such as an employee sharing confidential information). Likewise, monitoring user behavior can help detect potential insider threats by tracking who has accessed what files and when– allowing administrators to take action if something seems amiss quickly! Additionally, implementing user access control policies ensures that only authorized personnel have access to certain areas within the network – adding another layer of defense against intruders trying their luck on your system!

4. Use Firewalls & Anti-Virus Solutions  

Firewalls act like a virtual barrier between your internal networks and external threats by blocking unauthorized traffic from entering while allowing legitimate requests – making them essential for keeping out unwanted visitors who might try taking advantage of any weaknesses in your system architecture! Additionally, anti-virus solutions provide real-time scanning capabilities which help detect malware before it causes damage – enabling you to take action quickly rather than waiting until after things have already gone wrong!  

5. Educate Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices  

No matter how secure your systems may be, human error still poses a significant threat to cybersecurity– clicking on malicious links in phishing emails, downloading unverified software onto work computers, etc. That’s why educating employees on best practices is essential; helping them understand how their actions could put themselves and the company at risk if not taken seriously enough! Examples include avoiding public Wi-Fi networks where possible, never opening attachments from unknown sources, not reusing passwords across multiple sites/accounts, etc. By instilling these behaviors into the organization, you can ensure everyone stays vigilant against potential threats no matter where they go online! 

Conclusion 

Having robust IT security measures is vital for any business looking to stay safe online- especially those dealing with sensitive customer data or processing financial transactions. By following the above steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of being targeted by cybercriminals, providing peace of mind knowing that all bases have been covered when protecting yourself against digital threats.

This article was provided by Any Carr