Cyber Security Solution Providers Share Signs of Vulnerability

We live in a time when digital technology is fully interwoven into our society and everyday lives. E-commerce was a growing trend even before the global COVID-19 crisis, and the pandemic only catalyzed the transition to online business commerce. The U.S. Department of Commerce reported 14.9 percent growth in the E-commerce sector in 2019 alone. In addition to E-commerce, technology like cloud operations, remote work solutions, and automated tools for managing everyday tasks have become increasingly important for businesses today. While these advancements were designed to improve efficiency and help your bottom line, they also open up a lot of new doors for potential cyber-attacks. Read on as we discuss the signs that your business is vulnerable to an attack, according to cyber security solution providers.

 

Your employees have not been trained in cyber security.

Your employees likely have your firm’s best interest at heart, but they are also prime targets for a cyber attacker. Over 94 percent of malware attacks are delivered via email. Email phishing is usually in the form of a file or link that is infected with malware. Once an employee clicks the bait, malware is installed onto their computer. Each of your staff members can be equated to a gatekeeper for your company’s sensitive data, so training them on how to properly recognize, mitigate, and report suspicious activity is crucial. Only 31 percent of employees actually receive annual cyber security training, meaning that many firms are leaving a large gap in their defense strategies. Ensuring that your employees know how to handle items like malware-ridden emails can be the difference between a compromised network and a secure one.

 

You have not implemented multi-factor authentication.

Despite recommendations stating that your business should have different passwords for each account, data from Statista shows that 65 percent of internet users use the same password for all or most of their accounts. The effects of this could prove more troubling than you might think, as a breach at another retailer could actually help hackers gain access into your employees’ accounts. Luckily, tools like multi-factor authentication provide an extra, easy-to-implement, layer of security. Instead of just allowing a user to log in with a username and a potentially compromised password, multi-factor authentication requires that a one-time code be sent to the user’s phone number or email prior to allowing access to the account. This additional step is usually enough to prevent a breach. Many multi-factor authentication tools will also alert users when an unauthorized party is attempting to log in with their account credentials, which works to prevent cyber-attacks from occurring.

 

Your physical security is not up to par.

While there are steps you should take to implement a comprehensive digital security plan, you cannot neglect your facility’s physical security needs. If someone were to break into your office and steal a computer with confidential files, for example, the results would be just as catastrophic as if the information were stolen via malware. Improved entry security and security cameras might deter break-ins, but business owners should also pay attention to how equipment is being used throughout the day. For instance, some workplaces may find it beneficial to ban USB drives, as these devices are easily lost or stolen.

 

You have not re-evaluated your security programs.

Most business owners are aware of the importance of installing anti-malware programs and firewalls to protect their devices and networks. However, not all security tools are created equal; if you opt for a system that does not continuously update itself to stop new threats, you are putting your entire firm at risk, as hackers are constantly working to find and exploit new gaps in your network. To further drive home the importance of re-evaluating your current security measures, let the numbers speak for themselves: 60 percent of all breaches that occurred in 2019 could be directly attributed to unpatched vulnerabilities. These security flaws typically take about 12 days to be fully remedied – a devastatingly long time in the business world. This period of time is enough for hackers to attack your business, especially if the gap in security is widely publicized.

Proactively identifying and addressing any flaws in your system can save you time, money, and your reputation. Fortunately, if you find yourself unsure about the security of your organization’s data, many cyber security solution providers offer guidance as to what kind of tools you should use and even supplemental services like 24/7 security monitoring.

As one of Austin’s premier cyber security solution providers, Contigo has your best interest at heart. Our managed security solutions include malware protection, anti-virus protection, network forensics, encryption implementation, cyber security training, and 24/7 monitoring. The components of our security solution work together to create a layered defense against cyber threats and a safer online experience for your firm. Contact us today to learn more.