Tag: Data Breach

Cybersecurity Precautions Anyone Can Implement

Post: Oct. 23, 2018

 

October is cybersecurity month so it’s the perfect time to discuss some simple precautions all companies should take to reduce the likelihood of a data breach. Manufacturing companies that deal with the United States DOD have certain cybersecurity requirements to protect their data but all companies, no matter the size or industry, should follow several cybersecurity best practices.

Multi-factor authentication is an easy to use tool that companies can implement to keep passwords safe from hackers. Multi-factor authentication requires multiple forms of identification before granting users access. This can include codes sent to your cell phone, fingerprints, or even facial scans. Hackers that steal your password are unable to access your accounts without this second form of identification, making it much more difficult.

Making each new password unique can difficult and challenging to remember. Password managers are another tool that can be used to generate passwords and save them in encrypted lists that cannot be accessed. Finding a trusted password manager can eliminate the need for memorizing or reusing passwords.

Software updates can be annoying but its important that we stay up to date on them to reduce our vulnerability to hackers. Hackers have the ability to detect these vulnerabilities and release malware on our devices and applications. The time spent updating is much less inconvenient than a data breach.

Adobe Flash Player is one of the most popular methods of streaming media online, but its poor security has experts suspicious. The software has been hacked thousands of times and many electronic companies recommend turning it off. Requiring that company devices disable Adobe Flash Player is a simple way to protect company data.

The use of Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) ensures that you use an encrypted connection on all possible websites, and notifies you when one isn’t available. “Just a few years ago, most websites used unencrypted connections, which meant anything you typed into a form on that site would be sent in plain text and could be intercepted with little effort.” HTTPS is easy to install and facilitates safer connections.

These are five simple steps to improving your cybersecurity. For more information read the full article here.