Cybercrime against companies is constantly increasing and is becoming more and more professional. It does not only concern companies listed on the stock Exchange: SMEs are also in the sight of hackers because they have sensitive data (commercial offers, survey results, innovative ideas…) that can benefit cybercriminals. When customer files, mailboxes or application files are targeted by an attack, the consequences for the company can be dramatic! Ransom payments are an increasingly common scourge and the losses they cause, in addition to the price of the ransom, can easily amount to several thousand dollars.
Mytechnician.com offers you its advice to protect your SME from possible hackers and guarantee a high level of computer security.
Raise awareness and train your employees
To be able to identify threats, you must raise awareness among your employees. Unusual emails containing an attachment that looks like phishing, links to a suspicious web page, low-level passwords… All these are signals that should alert your teams.
Our advice: Writing an “IT security policy” to have your employees read and sign is a first step towards raising awareness. Also check out our article: How to raise awareness among your employees regarding cybersecurity? to find out how to encourage employees to be vigilant in the face of growing threats.
Secure your network properly
The implementation of tools to secure the company’s IT network is essential. Antivirus and firewalls are tools that you can’t ignore to secure your business. Access to wifi networks must also be controlled, especially if you leave them available to your customers because they are an easy entry point for data piracy.
Our advice: Separate the public wifi network from the corporate network.
Update your operating system and software
Operating systems (Windows, iOS,…) and software (Flash Player, Java…) that are not updated regularly may contain vulnerabilities and are therefore more vulnerable to new and increasingly sophisticated attacks. To reduce the risk of infections, update them regularly on your employees’ desktops and cell phones.
Our advice: Make a list of all the computers in your company and specify which programs are installed and the latest updates made, establish an update schedule and a personal device usage policy (BYOD).
Take the time to choose your passwords carefully
123456, letmein or admin are part of the passwords used in your company? It’s time to change them because they are too easy to predict. Password theft is a common practice of hackers that allows access to confidential company files. It is important to choose them carefully and renew them frequently.
Our advice: Choose a password with more than 8 characters that contains upper, lower and special characters. Consult our dedicated article to learn how to choose your password correctly.
Many SMEs do not have the financial resources of large companies to equip themselves with high-performance security systems. But, most of the time, they can get away with it by putting in place simple and inexpensive ground rules. The key words: protection and vigilance!