Cyber-attacks like data breaches against businesses continue to increase at a staggering rate. However, the primary cause of data breaches may be human errors and not a sophisticated cyber-attack. It may take many forms, but it usually involves somebody using weak passwords for accounts, accidentally paying fraudulent or malicious invoices, and giving cybercriminals their credentials by mistake due to a phishing attack.
Any of those mistakes can be made easily, and most people are probably guilty of making minor security blunders. But, such errors can have a major consequence.
Fortunately, even if there’s no simple way to solve the problem of human errors, there are various security solutions available to protect against malicious websites, prevent phishing attacks, and encourage users to implement stronger passwords. Aside from that, educating users through security training can also make a difference.
Below are the other practices you can consider to boost security awareness:
Employees need to know that any electronic device may be susceptible to cyber-attacks. No matter what devices you’re using, it’s wise to invest in anti-malware or antivirus programs. As cyber-attacks are common these days, businesses have to ensure that their employees are also aware of the cyber threats on mobile devices and the possible consequence if they fail to pay importance to security awareness.
When you have to change a password, make an all-new one. With the use of your password manager, you can manage different strong passwords with ease.
If you think your account has been hacked or used in fraudulent activity, change your password immediately. It’s also a good idea to report the incident immediately. Using two-factor authentication, when possible, may help prevent your passwords from being compromised.
Social platforms may also be an easy way for attackers to share various phishing links with unsuspecting users. That’s why it’s best to be careful of any social media promotion or deal that includes links and seems too good to be true. Other than infected links, scammers will try to acquire your credit card details through fake websites.
To avoid ransomware attacks, never leave your devices on 24/7. If possible, turn them on whenever you need them and disconnect or unplug from the internet. Other than that, it’s crucial to update your devices regularly to prevent ransomware attacks. Remember that old system versions are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. If you don’t want to take risks, don’t forget to update your device or upgrade your system.
The best solution to avoid that is to use a virtual private network (VPN). At present, there are many VPN service providers you can rely on for cyber defense. Depending on your budget and preferences, choose the provider that meets your needs and allows you to use the internet safely without any convenience.
Any of those mistakes can be made easily, and most people are probably guilty of making minor security blunders. But, such errors can have a major consequence.
Fortunately, even if there’s no simple way to solve the problem of human errors, there are various security solutions available to protect against malicious websites, prevent phishing attacks, and encourage users to implement stronger passwords. Aside from that, educating users through security training can also make a difference.
Below are the other practices you can consider to boost security awareness:
1. Train Your Employees
When it comes to security awareness, it’s never enough to set up security policies only. For this reason, you need to train your employees so they understand the policies better. As an employer, you might assume that your employees know the dos and don’ts of security awareness. For them to make well-informed and smart decisions, they need to be educated to be more aware of cybersecurity.Employees need to know that any electronic device may be susceptible to cyber-attacks. No matter what devices you’re using, it’s wise to invest in anti-malware or antivirus programs. As cyber-attacks are common these days, businesses have to ensure that their employees are also aware of the cyber threats on mobile devices and the possible consequence if they fail to pay importance to security awareness.
2. Use A Stronger Password
Another security awareness practice you should never forget is using stronger passwords. To create one, it’s crucial to use as many characters as possible while using a combination of numbers, letters, and special characters. Once you’re done, don’t write it on paper or share it with anybody. If possible, memorize it or use a password manager to keep it safe.When you have to change a password, make an all-new one. With the use of your password manager, you can manage different strong passwords with ease.
If you think your account has been hacked or used in fraudulent activity, change your password immediately. It’s also a good idea to report the incident immediately. Using two-factor authentication, when possible, may help prevent your passwords from being compromised.
3. Practice Social Media Safety
Even if social media is an excellent way to connect with family and friends, it may also be a simple way for cybercriminals to access your personal information, which can be used for hacking. In this case, it’s essential to avoid posting any personal details or identifying information that could allow hackers to guess your passwords or security questions.Social platforms may also be an easy way for attackers to share various phishing links with unsuspecting users. That’s why it’s best to be careful of any social media promotion or deal that includes links and seems too good to be true. Other than infected links, scammers will try to acquire your credit card details through fake websites.
4. Update Your Devices To Avoid Ransomware
Generally, ransomware is a type of malware that finds its way into your system, demands payments to restore your access, and blocks access to your data and files. The cybercriminals responsible for ransomware will encrypt your files, add extensions, and hold your network or data hostage until you pay a certain amount of money.To avoid ransomware attacks, never leave your devices on 24/7. If possible, turn them on whenever you need them and disconnect or unplug from the internet. Other than that, it’s crucial to update your devices regularly to prevent ransomware attacks. Remember that old system versions are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. If you don’t want to take risks, don’t forget to update your device or upgrade your system.
5. Use Wi-Fi Responsibly
One of the reasons why some employees connect to Wi-Fi hotspots is due to convenience. With this in mind, it’s best for businesses to teach their employees how to make wise choices since open Wi-Fi hotspots are prone to cyber-attacks.The best solution to avoid that is to use a virtual private network (VPN). At present, there are many VPN service providers you can rely on for cyber defense. Depending on your budget and preferences, choose the provider that meets your needs and allows you to use the internet safely without any convenience.