How To Keep Hackers Out Of Your Business Network

 

Businesses all over the globe digitally store and access data daily. Although the convenience of storing data digitally is the trend nowadays, it can put your data at risk for cybersecurity threats.  

Hackers might gain access to your business data in various ways by using viruses, malware, and phishing. If you want to protect your business network from hackers, read below to learn the various ways to secure your data.  

1. Work With A Reliable Managed IT Services Provider 

Make the security of your business data the priority. The longer you wait without the help of a managed Information Technology (IT) services provider, the higher the chances for attacks to occur. If your focus is to familiarize yourself with the security solutions suitable for your business, checking Dallas IT services by Accudata and other reliable providers would help you get a good start in keeping your business secure.  

You’ll be working with a team of IT professionals to protect your business data with up-to-date cybersecurity solutions. An advantage is that your business will enjoy quick and reliable support with round-the-clock monitoring if issues or potential attacks occur. 

2. Perform Regular Updates  

If you want to keep your business data safe, constantly update the software. The majority of businesses often neglect to update their software. Software and technology providers constantly add security updates and if you want to maximize the security, make sure to update regularly.  This software includes your content management system platform, cloud-based tool, or any program you’re using.  

You can also select an auto-update feature to automatically update the tools you’re using or go for manual updates. 

3. Provide Ongoing Training To Employees  

Phishing is one way for hackers to infiltrate your business data. In most cases, it’s likely to occur if your employees aren’t aware of the latest cybersecurity threats and how to manage their online habits.  Thus, you should provide your employees with ongoing training on basic online security and the latest cybersecurity threats to watch out for. 

Aside from the training for your employees, it would be best to consider creating a company policy covering acceptable and restricted online activities such as the following:

  • Instructing employees to avoid opening unknown email attachments or clicking on suspicious links.
  • Using strong passwords.
  • Discouraging the access of business data on personal devices. 

4. Limit Employee Access To Critical Data  

Human error could leave your business data at risk for a hacking attempt. One way to minimize the risk of a system breach is to allow only trusted employees access to sensitive data.  Additionally, make sure to delete accounts of outgoing employees. It’s a safety precaution if you don’t want them to jeopardize sensitive documents.

5. Use Multi-factor Authentication 

One way to keep your business safe from cybersecurity threats is to utilize multi-factor authentication.  When the system detects a new sign-in, it would require an email, code, or phone number verification before allowing access. With the help of this strategy, it’s an effective way to stop hackers since it’s unlikely they have access to the secondary device.  

6. Change Passwords Regularly 

You can boost the security of your data by setting a policy that requires changing passwords regularly, whether on a monthly or weekly basis.   Consider it one of the best lines of defense against hacking efforts or an infiltration attempt to steal business data. 

7. Configure A Virtual Private Network (VPN)  

Setting up a VPN is a crucial step in protecting your business data. A VPN enables you to access your business network and the internet via an encrypted tunnel. This conceals your activity and data from potential hackers.  Also, this approach is beneficial when employees work remotely since there are a few remote access risks that a VPN can prevent. 

8. Add Extra Layers Of Security 

There are several ways to boost the security of your business data. Some of the essentials to consider are the following: 

  • Secure Sockets Layer (SSL): It’s a crucial tool that protects data as it moves between the website and the database. The code protects the information from being read or accessed without proper authorization. 
  • Website and software scanners: The addition of these scanners will help monitor and stop viruses and malware from infiltrating your system.  
  • Web application firewall (WAL): It protects your website and data connection. Generally, it’s a cloud-based system that most managed IT services providers offer. 

Depending on the business data you have, adding an extra security layer will significantly help minimize the risk of hacking attempts. 

9. Conduct Regular Security Inspections  

Keeping your security measures in optimum shape should be a priority to keep your business safe from hackers. Your service provider might perform this task to identify any weak points and carry out the necessary service. 

Conclusion 

As cybersecurity threats and hacking attempts continue to rise, it’s crucial to keep your business safe at all times. With the help of these measures to thwart a potential hacking attempt, it’ll ensure your business stays operational and safe at the same time.