As an IT Systems Administrator, I've seen firsthand the devastating impact cyberattacks can have on businesses. From phishing scams to crippling ransomware, the threats are constant and ever-evolving. It’s no longer a question of if your organization will be targeted– but when. Each and every organization has to require some necessary measures to protect its systems so that it can survive the complexities of the online and technical universe. Ten general best practices that every business needs to follow in order to keep secure are as follows.
1. Train Your Employees Regularly
The first line of defense against cyber attacks is a well-informed workforce. Phishing emails, malicious links, and social engineering tactics are all designed to exploit human error. Unfortunately, many companies overlook the importance of ongoing training. Prioritizing education on how to spot phishing attempts and protect sensitive data is essential. Regular testing, such as phishing simulations, keeps everyone alert and ready to defend against attacks.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
One of the simplest yet most powerful things you can do to protect your business is to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts. In today’s world, it has become too easy for hackers to get their hands on a password. With MFA, even if someone steals your password, they still need to pass another layer of security—usually a code sent to your phone. It’s no longer optional; it’s a must for securing access to your systems.
3. Keep Your Software and Systems Up to Date
I’ve seen firsthand the disastrous consequences of neglecting software updates. A friend of mine, who owns a business, was hacked twice simply because they failed to install important security patches. In one instance, hackers exploited a vulnerability in their mail server. It wasn’t a question of if they would be hacked—it was when. The attacks could have been prevented if they had kept their systems updated. Those software updates aren’t just irritating pop-ups—they’re essential for closing security gaps and keeping your systems safe!
4. Use Conditional Access Policies
Implementing conditions for accessing company systems adds an essential layer of security. For instance, businesses can establish policies that allow employees to log in only from company-issued devices. This ensures that personal laptops or insecure networks cannot access sensitive data. By limiting access to approved devices, organizations significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to their systems.
5. Implement Automated Alerts and Monitoring
Despite multiple, robust security measures, it’s essential to actively monitor for suspicious activity. Automated alerts can identify unusual login attempts or risky behaviors, allowing us to focus on the most critical threats rather than sifting through endless logs. When a high-risk situation arises, we receive immediate notifications, enabling us to investigate quickly and take action before issues escalate.
6. Secure Your Passwords and Avoid Reuse
While it may seem simple, maintaining good password hygiene is one of the most frequently overlooked security practices. It’s highly important to be mindful and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, as hackers rely on this laxity. Once they gain access to one account, they can compromise others easily. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and pair them with multi-factor authentication (MFA) for optimal protection.
7. Test and Vet Your Security Solutions
Testing and evaluating any new software or security tool before its adoption is very important. Consider security features, ease of use, and cost to determine whether the solution meets your organization's needs. There should be a balance—avoid rushing to select the most expensive or complex solution; instead, seek a tool that will provide effective protection for your systems, make the work easy, and be cost-effective.
8. Don’t Rely Solely on the Cloud
Many companies mistakenly believe that storing data in the cloud protects them from ransomware and data breaches. However, this is not the case. Cloud storage is not immune to threats. If ransomware infects a synced device used by an employee, it can spread to the cloud, compromising all stored data. While tools like Box provide version control, they are not foolproof. It’s essential to have a backup plan set in place to protect your data in case your cloud provider faces an attack.
9. Invest in RMM and Cybersecurity Services
Investing in reliable Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) and cybersecurity services is essential to protect your organization from cyber threats. At Solutionz, we recognize the importance of these solutions in safeguarding your IT infrastructure.
RMM services enable businesses to remotely manage, monitor, and secure devices, automating tasks like software updates, system performance monitoring, and vulnerability detection. This proactive approach helps prevent minor issues from escalating into significant threats. RMM is especially beneficial for organizations with remote employees or multiple locations, where traditional on-site management can be complex. It ensures consistency in device management and security across all endpoints, reducing the risk of cyber attacks.
In addition to RMM, cybersecurity solutions are essential for reinforcing your defenses. These services include advanced protection measures to guard against malware, phishing, ransomware, and other cyber threats. Together, RMM and cybersecurity form a comprehensive security strategy focused on preventing attacks and managing ongoing risks.
By actively monitoring and addressing potential threats, Solutionz helps your business stay resilient despite evolving cyber risks. This proactive strategy minimizes downtime and data loss, ensuring your IT and AV systems operate smoothly and securely.
10. Be Prepared for the Worst
Unfortunately, no company is completely immune to cyber threats, even with all these precautions. Effective cybersecurity is all about risk management and preparation. I remember when a friend’s company fell victim to a ransomware attack due to poor patch management and user training. The hackers successfully breached their system, locking down all their data and leaving a ransom note demanding Bitcoin to access their files again. Although the company didn’t have the funds to pay the ransom, they were lucky enough to keep the company alive because one employee had a backup of a critical database. Without that, they would’ve lost everything.
Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Today
Protecting your business from cyber attacks is not merely a task for your IT team; it’s a vital, company-wide initiative that demands attention and action from everyone. Cybersecurity should be ingrained in your organizational culture, where employees take ownership of safeguarding any sensitive information. By implementing rigorous training programs and investing in powerful tools like Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) and comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, you can create a robust defense against ever-evolving threats.
Need a starting point? Download our Free Cybersecurity Posture Assessment to evaluate your current defenses and get the insights you need to enhance your cybersecurity strategy.
