9 tips to maintain cybersecurity at your business

Cybersecurity has increasingly become a challenge in recent years. And in 2020/21 - with the number of people working from home rising significantly - it is even more vital for organisations to evolve to ensure cybersecurity measures are in place. These are our top tips for maintaining your business’ digital security this year.

1. Upgrade your equipment. For example, make sure your business invests in business grade hardware to ensure you have the most basic protection in place. Out of date or inadequate hardware can create unnecessary vulnerabilities and will be much easier to access.
2. Train your staff. People can be the biggest vulnerability or the greatest asset. Ensuring your employees are aware of the latest risks and know what to look for can give your cybersecurity a big boost.
3. Use encryption across the business. Use an encryption management tool that is separate to the free options offered in basic operating systems to ensure that even if files or devices are stolen, data still can’t be accessed.
4. Invest in mobile device management. In the past 12 months there has been so much more remote work that many businesses have allowed employees to access business data via their own personal devices. There are risks to this, including that mailbox data can remain on a device even after someone leaves the business and passwords etc have been changed. Mobile device management ensures that any work-related data on personal devices is kept in a specific file that can be fully deleted.
5. Require two-step authentication for any access to software and business applications. This will require that the person logging in not only enters their login credentials but also an additional piece of data to prove that they have a right to be there - that could be, for example, inputting a numerical code sent to a mobile phone.
6. Use DNS protection. This will help to ensure that the websites being accessed by employees are genuine and that log in credentials are being protected even if a shared network is being used.
7. Filtering emails. Third party email filtering solutions provide a simple way to scan for any messages that might be false or fraudulent. Email is one of the simplest ways for cybercriminals to get access to data - by tricking or deceiving staff - and systems so this can provide essential protection.
8. A robust data back up. It’s essential that any organisation is able to retrieve data, emails and key information on an ongoing basis. From ransomware attacks through to disgruntled staff carrying out intentional deletion there are risks that can be well managed where there is robust data back up in place.
9. Effective management of security policies. Where possible this should be managed centrally, giving more control over key factors such as the frequency of password changes and the automatic installation of system updates.

Cybersecurity is likely to remain a top priority as remote working continues to be a necessary way of life for many organisations today. These tips will help to ensure that your business has all the most essential security bases covered.