Data breaches have become increasingly common and quite expensive in the technologically advanced world. Businesses are constantly pressured to keep employees’ and customers’ data and information safe. Slow responses to such security issues can lead to high fines from regulatory agencies and loss of business credibility and revenue. It will further cost you possible litigation costs.
These security breaches are becoming more public; companies should understand the consequences of such risks and immediately fix them (like installing antivirus software in Windows) to protect their employees and clients.
With a business cybersecurity guide, you can instantly address and mitigate security concerns. In this blog post, we will discuss some of companies’ common security mistakes.
Inability to Provide Effective Data Security Training
One of the main reasons behind data breaches is negligence and human error. Pretexting and phishing (using false identity to obtain someone else’s private data) are the most popular methods of social security breaches in a business setting.
This often arises when a company raises the point only once in the orientation program rather than making it an ongoing priority.
Businesses must regularly conduct employee security training programs to prevent such security breaches. By holding an effective training session, your employees can spot the threats and reduce the data breach’s severity by handling it at the right time.
Implementing BYOD Policies
To reduce the costs of providing office devices, some companies make the huge mistake of allowing employees to work from their own devices. While it helps the company to save money, it also puts their data at high risk. There are multiple negative impacts of BYOD (bring your device) policy:
As personal and company information and data are on the same device, there is a high chance that information will get mixed up or lost.
Employees lose all company-related documents if the phone or laptop gets stolen or misplaced.
If you download an app that has a virus, it can adversely affect your company’s data.
When employees access company data on their devices, strict policies must be in place to avoid losing or sending it to unauthorized sources. As a company, you can set up remote wipe features and ensure all software and operating systems are current.
Forgetting to Backup Data
Losing important company data is one of the biggest nightmares of a business. If you don’t back your data in the cloud or other software, there is a high chance that you might lose all your files. Cyber attacks such as ransomware can withhold and delete your data permanently if you don’t meet these hackers’ demands.
Backups are not only meant to protect your data from outside attacks; they can also be helpful when an employee accidentally deletes critical data, or a system glitch occurs. Backing up your data in cloud-based software is the best strategy to prevent business disasters and costly downtime.
Having Zero Response Team
In a security attack, you must have your contingency plan in place. Have a response team consisting of IT and executive management staff and appoint one person as team leader to head the response plan and coordinate among members. Assigning one team leader ensures that there is no disorganization or a state of panic when a breach occurs. With a response team, you will be prepared to tackle any security breach and take action immediately to mitigate further losses.
Not Using an Effective Antivirus Software
You are mistaken if you think your device can withstand all cybersecurity threats with simple pre-installed anti-malware software. You can never be complacent, given the number of security breaches happening across the globe in well-established and secured companies.
Unless you intentionally invite viruses to attack your device, install effective antivirus software like McAfee, Quick Heal, and others. These comprehensive antivirus software safeguard your device and protect your data against online threats.
Protect Your Company Against Security Breaches
Cybersecurity is a critical concern for businesses of all sizes.
By effectively implementing security strategies such as regularly training employees, data backups, having a response team, and robust antivirus software, you can feel relieved that your business’ assets and credibility are safe.
Hence, remember that a robust security strategy goes a long way to protect your company’s vital data and information.
