Business Holiday Cyber Security Tips to Know

During the holiday season, companies are the most vulnerable to cyber attacks because they’re often understaffed and lack adequate resources dedicated to business cyber security. You should take steps now to secure your company’s IT network before a holiday disaster strikes. 

Follow these seven cyber security tips to ensure your business stays protected from online threats all season long:

1. Implement a Cyber Security Strategy

Unfortunately, many organizations don’t have any written cyber security policies and procedures, even though they should. If your company doesn’t have anything in writing, you should create a strategy detailing how to prevent and deal with cyber attacks. 

Already have a business cyber security plan? Review it to see what precautions need to be taken to bolster protection for your company and to effectively handle disaster recovery.

2. Update Your Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is designed to detect and prevent viruses and other malware from infecting devices and networks. Update your antivirus software regularly to protect against various types of threats, such as spyware, adware, trojans, worms, rootkits, keyloggers, etc.

3. Practice Email Caution

Phishing and ransomware attacks increase during the holidays, which is why everyone should be extra careful when receiving emails offering special offers and discounts. Often, these messages appear to come from big brands and look legitimate, making them particularly deceptive.

It’s important not to click links or open attachments in unsolicited emails. Furthermore, employees should be educated about cyber threats and how to avoid falling victim to them.

4. Create Strong Passwords

A simple yet effective way to protect yourself against hackers is to create strong, unique passwords. Don’t reuse passwords because if one of your accounts is compromised, others will be, too. Also, avoid using personal information because that’s what hackers use to guess your password.

Enhance your password security with a password manager like LastPass. It stores all of your passwords in a single platform that’s only accessible to you. Plus, it can generate secure random passwords with the click of a button.

5. Use Encryption Technology

Encryption scrambles data so that only authorized individuals can read it. By encrypting data, you limit the number of people who can view it. There are two types of encryption: symmetric and asymmetric. Symmetric encryption uses a single passcode to both encrypt and decrypt data.

Asymmetric encryption requires separate keys to encrypt and decrypt data. Both methods are effective, but asymmetric encryption is generally considered more secure than symmetric encryption.

6. Train Your Employees

Employees with business cyber security training can significantly reduce the likelihood of a successful attack. In addition to being able to recognize potential threats, they also learn how to respond appropriately. This means they can prevent attacks before they happen.

7. Install a VPN

Public Wi-Fi isn’t the most secure, which means your data is vulnerable to hackers. Avoid this unnecessary risk by installing a virtual private network (VPN) on your device to securely access the internet from anywhere. 

A VPN encrypts your traffic and makes sure no one intercepts your communications. With this tool, you don’t have to worry about being tracked or having your privacy violated. 

Fix the Cracks in Your Business Cyber Security 

The threat from hackers and ransomware attacks continues to rise, putting companies at risk of data breaches and financial losses. Companies are particularly vulnerable during the holidays, which is why implementing a business cyber security strategy is key to protecting against online threats.

Book an appointment with us to find and repair the cracks in your cyber security. Our Forth Worth cyber security experts deliver custom-tailored solutions that minimize risk and promote productivity.