Worried about cyber attacks? Take these steps
Business Technology | June 12, 2014
Here’s what attracts cyber attackers: easy targets. This means that you can leave your small business open to a cyber attack if you don’t defend your company’s Wi-Fi systems with passwords or if you trust in passwords which are ridiculously simple to guess. In a recent story outlining steps that business owners can take to defend themselves from cybercrimes, Entrepreneur Magazine recommends that you do the small things that may make most hackers move on to easier targets.
Encrypt your Data
The best protection against hackers? Encrypt your data. This makes it much harder for cyber criminals to access your company’s bank accounts, employee information and credit-card data. Hackers can crack encryption if they are skilled enough. But many will see encrypted data and just proceed to an easier target. Best of all, it’s simple to encrypt your computer data. Simply turn on the full-disk encryption tool that comes with your computers’ operating systems. This tool is known as FileVault on Macintosh computers and BitLocker on those powered by Windows. Once these tools are switched on, it will encrypt every file or program on your computers’ drives.
Lockdown
According to the Entrepreneur story, many cyber criminals first physically break into businesses to steal their computer equipment, especially laptops. After they have these devices, they can often hack into a business’ computer systems. That’s why it’s necessary for your employees to take advantage of their computers’ Kensington lock port, the small metal loop attached to most computers and laptops. Users can run cables through these loops to secure their laptop computers to their desks. This sounds strange, however, many criminals will see secured laptops and move on. They don’t like to spend any extra time during their break-ins.
Wi-Fi Protection
Wi-Fi networks are often vulnerable to hackers. That’s why Entrepreneur Magazine suggests that businesses rely on wired networks instead. But if your business clearly needs a Wi-Fi network, make sure to protect it with a complex password. Entrepreneur Magazine recommends a password consisting of letters, numbers and symbols. Record this password and hide it in a safe or other secure place.
Here’s what attracts cyber attackers: easy targets. This means that you can leave your small business open to a cyber attack if you don’t defend your company’s Wi-Fi systems with passwords or if you trust in passwords which are ridiculously simple to guess. In a recent story outlining steps that business owners can take to defend themselves from cybercrimes, Entrepreneur Magazine recommends that you do the small things that may make most hackers move on to easier targets.
Encrypt your Data
The best protection against hackers? Encrypt your data. This makes it much harder for cyber criminals to access your company’s bank accounts, employee information and credit-card data. Hackers can crack encryption if they are skilled enough. But many will see encrypted data and just proceed to an easier target. Best of all, it’s simple to encrypt your computer data. Simply turn on the full-disk encryption tool that comes with your computers’ operating systems. This tool is known as FileVault on Macintosh computers and BitLocker on those powered by Windows. Once these tools are switched on, it will encrypt every file or program on your computers’ drives.
Lockdown
According to the Entrepreneur story, many cyber criminals first physically break into businesses to steal their computer equipment, especially laptops. After they have these devices, they can often hack into a business’ computer systems. That’s why it’s necessary for your employees to take advantage of their computers’ Kensington lock port, the small metal loop attached to most computers and laptops. Users can run cables through these loops to secure their laptop computers to their desks. This sounds strange, however, many criminals will see secured laptops and move on. They don’t like to spend any extra time during their break-ins.
Wi-Fi Protection
Wi-Fi networks are often vulnerable to hackers. That’s why Entrepreneur Magazine suggests that businesses rely on wired networks instead. But if your business clearly needs a Wi-Fi network, make sure to protect it with a complex password. Entrepreneur Magazine recommends a password consisting of letters, numbers and symbols. Record this password and hide it in a safe or other secure place.