With an abundant amount of work taking place over the internet through multiple systems, protecting your digital assets, network, and all other company information is more important than ever because cybersecurity threats are adapting to more internet based attacks as well. Whether a breach is large or small, it can cost your company time and money. These losses can lead to serious companywide impacts or even close business’ doors.
Cybersecurity threats and data breaches can be extremely costly for an organization and the cost has been consistently rising with the increase in dependence on technology for business in addition to the shift to a more remote workforce. As of 2020, the average cost of a data breach was $3.68 million and the average time it took to identify and contain the breach was almost 280 days. By 2025, cybercrime is projected to cost $10.5 trillion annually worldwide.
Frequently, various data security is at risk because of human error. In fact, almost 90% of security risks are because of employees, whether the mistakes are intentional or not. Another cause for a threat classified as human error is not having secure passwords. Passwords are important in keeping data safe, but constantly creating or renewing passwords can be a hassle. Creating unique passwords for all applications decreases risks to information. Beyond that, there are threats that are beyond an organization and its employees’ control, and this is where proper IT security comes into the works.
There are multiple threats businesses can face when working in an internet based setting. The most common threat to your organization’s data is malware, which can affect your network devices using ransomware, spyware, or various viruses. Hackers could even gain access to your business’ finances and have the capability to make unauthorized transactions, transfer funds in and out of your company, or steal sensitive client information. Another threat that is even more prominent in today’s workforce is mobile protection. For organizations to cater to a mobile workforce, they must have their data be accessible from anywhere on any device, without proper protection on all devices, in office or not, businesses can find themselves extremely vulnerable.
As businesses and organizations move forward to adjust to a more mobile, flexible workforce – cybersecurity should be the last thing to fall through the cracks when initiating changes. Some organizations have implemented remote work as a permanent fixture while others offer it temporarily. Regardless, cyber security protocols need to be followed and regulated just as they would in a typical office environment.
While the different types of cyber threats listed above also affect employees in a work from home environment, there are other threats that are introduced that all organizations should be aware of and ways to prevent them from the start.
Phishing Schemes
Phishing schemes are a classic cyber security threat and while it seems like most can spot them, they have adapted along with technology. In fact, it still accounts for 80% of overall cyber-attacks. Under the cover of realistic emails or legitimate offers, phishing schemes have other definitive signs that should be looked out for to help people avoid them. These can be notable factors such as poor grammar, generic greetings, clickable links, and the need for you to provide personal information of limited detail.
Use of and Lack of Security On Personal Devices
Typically, personal devices have far less security than work devices. This can cause not only risk to an organization’s information but an employee’s personal information as well. To help security measures anyone using a personal device should have a two-authentication, avoiding the use of personal emails, creating strong passwords, and keeping software and operating systems up to date.
Insecure Home Wi-Fi and Network
Home wi-fi networks are often overlooked when it comes to security and updating. They are rarely protected at the same level as work devices which can lead to serious security gaps and pose a risk to personal information. To avoid this, employees should regularly update their networks and routers, invest in antivirus software, and firewalls. A VPN (virtual private network) is also beneficial to enhance online privacy and allow users to send and receive data securely.
IT specialists are qualified to protect your computer systems by creating barriers that deny external access, recognize atypical activity within your systems, assess any current network disruptions or threats, and implement strategies or improvements to keep your system and security running at top-grade levels. IT specialists also specialize in many areas of security such as network troubleshooting, information security policies, security analyst, and firewall administration. Emphasizing on these qualifications and areas of expertise, there are incredible benefits to proven IT security.
Firewalls are a common and frequently used security measure. They closely monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic then decide what traffic to allow or block based on a defined set of security rules.
Be able to feel secure in running the latest, most secure version of operating systems, security patches and other applications that protects devices from vulnerabilities while guaranteeing compatibility.
These assessments will be able to identify security holes within a company’s IT infrastructure. It also runs a series of diagnostics on your company’s devices, applications, and networks to help improve weaker areas.
Increase your offensive security while keeping confidential and important business materials out of the hands of competitors and secure from hackers or viruses. Organizations can also confidently share data with a mobile workforce without risk of security threats.
AIS has provided a questionnaire to help evaluate where your organization stands with cyber security. While the hopes that we always get cyber security right, there are plenty of factors that can end up overlooked during these transitional phases. We want to help provide you with the top security and this simple evaluation is an optimal way to gauge where your organization is currently at.
Regardless of company size or location, cyber security is important, especially as we see an increase in cloud use and a more mobile focused workforce. AIS can adapt a struggling IT strategy to meet a company’s needs while keeping crucial company data and client information safe. We will provide supplemental IT consulting and support to fit your organization’s security needs and that keeps all your data secure, guaranteed.
