Best Cybersecurity Tips for 2021

Cybercrime is on the rise and protecting your business is no easy challenge. That’s why we’ve compiled some simple tips and strategies to help you avoid an attack and stay safe in these troublesome times.

1. Install anti-malware and anti-virus software

Any connection over the internet has the potential to compromise your device(s) and network. Always make sure that every computer your business uses has modern and comprehensive  anti-virus and anti-malware software installed.

2. Always run the latest software

Regularly updating the newest version of your software is a great way to protect yourself from security threats. Updated software will also benefit you with extra features and bug fixes.

3. Update old hardware

Older hardware is usually more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats because it cannot run new, safer software. Upgrading your old hardware will also increase productivity and decrease frustration for both employees and customers. 

Look at this as an investment for your business, because it’s one of the easiest ways to protect your business while building customer satisfaction. 

4. Use strong passwords

Don’t get lazy with your passwords. Follow basic password protocols and use a random password generator if you need to. Don’t reuse passwords, use long strings, or use the same password for multiple accounts.

Most importantly, don’t use information that is personal to you like phone numbers or home addresses.

You may also consider using a password manager so that your accounts stay extra-safe and your employees always have access to the information they need. 

5. Don’t open suspicious emails

It’s not always easy to know if an email is authentic or not, but if you are suspicious for any reason, never open it. Rogue emails can be used in phishing scams, and may contain links or attachments that can infect your machine.

These emails typically contain spelling or syntax errors, or impersonate a leader of your organization. If you’re suspicious of an email, reach out to your IT team to make sure it’s safe to open. 

6. Enable MFA

Two-factor (or multi-factor)  authentication (MFA) provides another line of defence against malicious actors and goes a long way in authenticating the identity of the person accessing an online account.

7. Check the address

Websites that don’t use HTTPS cannot guarantee that the data sent between your device and the website’s server is secure. If the site isn’t using HTTPS, be sure not to give away any sensitive information while you’re there.

8. Disable bluetooth

Bluesnarfing and Bluejacking are two ways in which your Bluetooth connection can be compromised, resulting in the loss of private and personal information.

Turn off your Bluetooth connection when it is not being used, don’t pair with other machines you don’t recognize, and if possible use a PIN code when accessing your own device.

9. Find yourself a “white hat” hacker

Benign hackers exist to test the security set-up of your own network and devices. These “white hat” hackers can aid you in identifying vulnerabilities you didn’t know you had, and many can advise you on what to do if you need to patch up a security issue along the way.

 10. Don’t use public networks

Public networks are always less secure than your own, simply because you can never be sure what level of security is being implemented. If you absolutely must use a public network, make sure to use a VPN and limit the amount of personal data you share over it.

11. Backup your data

If your company suffers a security breach, you can mitigate the consequences of such an event by backing up your critical data so that you can get your operations running again as quickly as possible.

13. Check external storage devices

An external device is not immune from viruses. Always scan flash drives, hard drives, and any other kind of external device that you intend to connect to your computer or network.

At CoronaInfo, we offer a Data Backup and Recovery service to ensure you’re fully protected, no matter what.