Cybersecurity: Best Practices to Secure Your Organization Against Attacks

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness month. Cybersecurity should always be top-of-mind for organizations. But with the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses were forced to convert to a completely remote workforce in a matter of days. This sudden shift opened the Pandora’s box of cybersecurity challenges and threats. What can your organization do to avert threats? Here are some best practices to prevent security risks.

Education

Empowering employees through a security awareness course is a solid first step. Training employees to recognize cyber threats is essential to protecting and securing data.

Cloud-Based Solutions/Back Up Your Data

Sensitive information and files should be stored on a cloud-based solution like Microsoft OneDrive, Apple iCloud and Google Drive to name a few. Files on these solutions are encrypted and stored securely online.

Firewall

A firewall is a network security system that monitors network traffic. It’s the first line of defense against threats to company devices. All device operating systems have a built-in firewall, but it only works if it’s enabled.

Anti-Spyware/Malware Software

Hackers can monitor data from emails, websites and downloaded files. Advanced keyloggers are one common type of spyware threat. It monitors keystrokes and takes screenshots, including user’s passwords. Another type is phishing. Phishing exploits users, through malware or other means, for access to sensitive data. Find out more about types of mobile phishing. Protect company devices from threat by uploading anti-spyware software. It will detect and prevent the installation of spyware programs.

Passwords

Employees should be updating passwords regularly. Usually, every 60 to 90 days. The more complex ― longer, random ― the password, the more secure your data will be. Using one password across multiple accounts is not the way to go. All passwords should be unique. Using a password manager is a great way to keep several different, challenging passwords.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA is a security system that requires more than one method of authentication from your end-user. End-users need to complete MFA to access applications, online accounts and a VPN. This process allows for extra layers of protection to ensure the security of assets.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

VPN allows end-users to create a secure connection to another network over the Internet. Using a VPN encrypts your internet traffic.

Device Software Updates

Developers update software regularly to include new security vulnerabilities. When a device software update is available, it should be capitalized on.

Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD)/Corporate-Liable

Whether your company offers a BYOD or Corporate-Liable program, all devices should have implemented security features. Those features might include pins, fingerprints and/or facial recognition.

Why your organization needs a Managed Mobility Services Provider (MMS)?

Managing your mobile devices in these uncertain times is vital. As technology advances, so do cybersecurity threats. Whether your organization offers a BYOD or Corporate-Liable program, partnering with a managed mobility services provider is an optimal choice. An MMS provider will monitor the lifecycle of your devices while securing and protecting devices from vulnerabilities. Our platform provides visibility into each end-user device and safety measures to protect and secure assets. Interested? Read more about our managed mobility services offering.

The Takeaway

The landscape of the world we live in and where we work has changed dramatically. According to our 2020 Mobile Workforce Benchmark Report, 82% of employees will continue to work remotely some of the time. Statista predicts the global cybersecurity market will grow from $167.1B in 2019 to $248.26B by 2023. Looking at these statistics, the world is moving forward at a feverous pace. You can see it in the number of people working remotely and the money organizations are investing in cybersecurity. Having strategies and best practices in place to secure data is necessary to remain safe going full speed into the unpredictable future.