Five Ways to Increase the Cyber Security of Your Business

If you have a business, you probably already have plenty of cyber security strategies in place. You probably already have antivirus software installed, you probably already have a backup plan in place, and you may even know what a firewall is, but just because you're doing things to keep your business safe online doesn't mean your job is done.

You should always be looking for ways to increase the cyber security of your business.

Here is a list of five things you should also be doing to increase the cyber security of your business, if you aren't doing them already.

Integrate Your Systems

Long gone are the days when one application or piece of software was enough to protect your company. Today, many systems need to be in place in order to make sure you're fully protected.

That can cause a lot of trouble. Keeping track of all those systems individually can be a nightmare! Not to mention, a disjointed system can easily allow security threats and important pieces of information to fall through the cracks.

Security orchestration is the solution. By integrating all of your systems together on the same platform, you can ensure you are alerted in a timely manner to threats, you can eliminate long dwell times, slow responses, and you can greatly boost staff morale. Not to mention, integrating your systems is a great way make quantifying important ROIs a lot easier!

Keep All Software up to Date

Downloading software used to mean downloading the program and forgetting about it until it's time to buy the new program. That's not the case today. Systems are being updated all the time, and although it can be a real pain, updating your software is important.

Updates can:

• Repair security holes or fix bugs

• Eliminate software vulnerabilities

• Update protections to keep your data safe

• Make the software easier to use with new features

The cost of the software includes these updates, so you really have nothing to lose by making sure everything is updated in a timely manner. Schedule updates for the evening so they don't interfere with your daily work schedule.

Manage Permissions

Keeping a close eye on your security systems and making sure you have the latest updates and programs are all important to the cyber security of your business, but the people who work for you can pose the biggest threat.

Not everyone needs access to all of your documents. In addition, some employees may need access for a short time, but after a project is complete, no longer need access to a certain document or database. And of course, if someone leaves the company, they should no longer have their permissions enabled.

Every program, including Microsoft Office, allows for permissions to be changed quickly and easily. Make sure you manage these permissions on a regular basis, so everyone is able to see the information they should, and none of the information they shouldn't. 

Use Two-Factor Authentication, When Possible

You've probably heard all the tips out there on what makes for a good password. Unfortunately, even the best passwords can be compromised. Enabling two-factor identification means you can worry less about your passwords.

This form of authentication requires you to enter a password, in addition to providing a code that is sent to an email address or phone number. It is nearly impossible for hackers and other thieves to receive this message if they don't have access to your phone number or email address. Multi-factor identification should be enabled on any program that allows it.

Train Employees in Cyber Security

According to some experts, your employees really are your biggest security risk. That's because they don't compromise information on purpose. It often happens by accident.

That's why it's important to train your employees in cyber security. That might include:

• Requiring employees to change their passwords regularly.

• Cyber security training in the onboarding process.

• Conducting regular cyber security evaluations on employees.

• Scheduling live training exercises to simulate a cyber attack.

• Rewarding employees who comply with cyber security protocols.

Downloading the right antivirus and malware software is a great place to start, but don't think you can sit back and relax if you have the right cyber security programs in place. There's a lot to do to keep your business safe on the web! These tips will help you take things one step further, so you never have to worry about dealing with the aftermath of a data breach.