Cyber security: Assoprovider presents 30 simple tips to enhance data protection and cyber security

Potentially, everyone has something of value that can entice a hacker. The recurring mistake made by individuals, but especially some entrepreneurs on the topic of cyber security is precisely the belief that they have nothing of interest that could be appealing to a cybercriminal. And therefore, just for this reason, they feel they are safe from potential attacks on their systems.

Yet if there is something that the Internet has taught in recent years, it is that data security is an issue that should be of concern to both large companies and small businesses, including family-run ones.

The data protection is the foundation from which to start implementing effective corporate security policies. How to ensure it or at least drastically reduce the risks of attacks on the Network? Assoprovider offers 30 good practices to follow.

Cybersecurity: 30 tips to avoid getting caught in a trap

1.  Create an inventory. The first step is to list all the systems, devices, and software used by the company.

2. Identify critical systems. In an initial phase of developing cyber security strategies, it is necessary to identify the company's critical systems (vital information and data). Identification is essential to understand which policies to adopt to protect them.

3. Appoint a representative. To ensure that all chosen strategies are adhered to, it is useful to appoint a manager responsible for coordinating the management and protection activities of information and IT systems.

4. Knowing the regulations. A good defense strategy involves knowledge and compliance with laws and regulations regarding cyber security.

5. Train the staff. Learning to recognize email attachments, using only customized software... Employee training on cyber security risks is crucial for online safety.

6. Pay attention to remote work. Very often, security threats lurk in the PCs of employees working remotely, whether from home Wi-Fi or public Wi-Fi. Here too, employee training becomes necessary to avoid risks.

7. Install antivirus. On each of the company's software, protection software (network antivirus and anti-malware) must be installed.

8. Update software. A good cybersecurity policy requires updating all company software to the latest versions recommended by the manufacturer. The presence of devices and software that can no longer be updated endangers the security of IT networks.

9. Perform the backup. Digital security is ensured by certain best practices to be repeated over time, such as data backup, which should then be stored securely and verified.

Digital security, password, child's play for hackers

 10. Establish a password policy. Cybersecurity experts recommend adopting a policy that requires changing passwords (for the first login) every 90 days. The "freshness" of passwords helps maintain a high level of security.

11. Create diversified accesses. Each user must be able to access only the information and systems relevant to them.

12. Diversify passwords. Great attention must be paid to passwords. Each internal company account must have a different one from the others.

13. Two-step authentication. Still within the realm of passwords, an effective strategy in cybersecurity is two-factor authentication, especially for accessing company email or other management systems.

14. Create complex passwords. An effective password is one composed of at least eight characters with a mix of numbers and letters, in both uppercase and lowercase. It is important not to include personal information within it.

15. Do not leave passwords lying around. Even though this may seem trivial, there are still many people who have the habit of writing passwords on sticky notes attached to their computers. An unforgivable oversight. After all, who would keep their PIN code attached to their credit card?

16. Limit third-party web services offered. Social networks, cloud, email, are services that every company needs to access today. However, their use should be limited to those that are strictly necessary.

17. Do not share sensitive data externally. Cybercriminals obtain much of the data they use to breach systems directly from social networks. Cybersecurity experts advise sharing externally on social media only what is useful for promotion.

18. Control the use of removable media. One of the major threats to Internet security is posed by removable media (such as USB sticks) that employees use to transfer or store information. They could be the entry point for malware into corporate IT systems.

19. Protect with Firewall. Networks and systems must be protected from the risks of unauthorized access through the use of firewalls and other forms of anti-intrusion software.

Cybersecurity: links in emails the root of all evil

20. Do not open links in emails. Links are one of the most commonly used methods by hackers to infect PCs and devices. If you are not sure about a link, do not click on it. A lesson to be conveyed to managers and employees.

21. Ensure a standard. Cybersecurity software must be continuously optimized. In addition to this, it is necessary to choose security standards and configure all ITC devices in the company in the same way.

22. Do not put all your eggs in one basket. One piece of advice offered by cybersecurity experts is to create separate emails for "home" and "work." Avoid mixing social and professional emails. Never put all "your eggs in one basket."

23. Do not click on pop-ups. Pop-ups can also be used by cybercriminals to infect devices. Installing an ad blocker can prevent exposure to risks.

24. Protect the website. Most dangers arise from poor management and protection of the website. Choosing a secure server reduces the damage from potential cyber attacks.

25. Make purchases only on secure sites. Even though they are not exempt from potential attacks, it is better to use reliable platforms for online shopping than sites that, for example, offer "miraculous" deals and discounts.

26. Purchase a shredder. Sometimes, it happens to leave sheets with sensitive data on the desk that can be stolen and used for attacks. A shredder is a useful tool to prevent this from happening.

27. Shield the cam. Tech giants, like Mark Zuckerberg, have the habit of placing tape over their laptop camera. Effective measure or excessive zeal? Some hackers could exploit software vulnerabilities and malware to take control of the webcam and spy on the victim, obtaining useful data to blackmail them.

28. Monitor social media posts. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, like Instagram, are tools that hackers use to gather useful information and initiate attacks. Cyber security experts recommend reviewing posts published on social media and ensuring they do not contain any personal information.

29. Monitor access to corporate social media. Facebook provides a series of alerts that notify the user if someone from outside is attempting to access their account. Activating it may be necessary to avoid unpleasant surprises.

30. Conduct tests. In the event of a cyber attack, the behavior of employees becomes crucial to prevent infecting all systems. For this reason, it is useful to conduct tests to accustom them to having an effective response in case of a crisis.