Cyber-hygiene: Best Practices

As the frequency and severity of cyber-attacks continue to rise, it is crucial for organizations to prioritize good cyber-hygiene practices in order to minimize vulnerability. Cyber-hygiene encompasses the habitual behaviours and protocols that ensure the secure handling of critical data and connected devices. 

The consequences of poor cyber-hygiene include:

- Security breaches: Cyber-criminals can exploit human error and weak security networks to gain unauthorized access to personal and business data, leading to breaches and potential data breaches.

- Data loss: Failure to back up or maintain hard drives and online cloud storage can result in the loss of valuable data for organizations.

- Software vulnerabilities: Software developers consistently release security patches to address known vulnerabilities. If organizations fail to apply these patches, their software becomes more susceptible to cyber-attacks.

- Antivirus weaknesses: Outdated technology and antivirus software are less effective in protecting organizations against the latest viruses and digital threats, leaving them vulnerable to potential attacks.

Here are some key components of cyber-hygiene:

Password Security - Ensuring strong passwords is important to maintaining a secure online presence. Regularly changing passwords and refraining from sharing or reusing them across different accounts adds an additional layer of security.

Multifactor authentication is essential for protecting important accounts, such as email, social media and banking applications. By requiring additional verification steps, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of cyber-criminals stealing confidential data. 

Data Backups - It is imperative to securely store critical business files in a separate and protected location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage. Safeguarding these valuable assets ensures their protection against potential data loss or cyber-attacks.

Firewalls - Implementing a robust network firewall is essential in safeguarding company websites, email servers, and other online information sources from unauthorized access. 

Security Software - A top-notch antivirus software solution has the capability to conduct automated scans of devices, effectively identifying and eliminating harmful software, thereby offering comprehensive protection against a wide range of online threats.

Employee Education - It is crucial to prioritize workforce education in order to empower employees to recognize and combat phishing attacks, social engineering scams, and other digital threats effectively. 

Daily routines, good cyber-hygiene behaviours and conducting regular check-ups can make all the difference to an organization's cyber-health. Contact us today for expert guidance on risk management and to learn more about how to optimize your cybersecurity practices.