You’ve got anti-virus installed on your office PC’s, so your data security is all set, right? Wrong! Today’s threats are much more complex and require more than just virus protection to keep your company’s and customers’ data secure.
Protecting your office network with only a virus software is like leaving on vacation and only locking one door or window to your home. Crooks can easily get in one of the others left open, just like cybercriminals can breach your network if it’s not fully or properly secured.
At Connect2Geek, we’ve seen many unsecure networks let in the bad guys because the company thought they had enough protection with one piece of software, but didn’t. We make PC and data security a 24/7 priority, keeping a watchful eye on network traffic and system stats to thwart any unwanted intrusions.
The key to keeping your data and network safe is using a multi-layered strategy with each piece working together to secure all the components of your IT infrastructure
What are the biggest threats faced by small businesses? And what are the things you need to know about multi-layered protection? Read on for that vital information that could just save you from a costly data breach!
What are the Biggest Data Security Threats that Small Businesses Face?
It seems you hear about a data breach of a large organization every other month these days. But do cyber criminals really care about smaller businesses? Most companies unfortunately think they’re too small to be a target, but they couldn’t be more wrong.
43% of cyberattacks target small businesses. (Small Business Trends)
Small businesses are a favorite target of hackers because they tend to have less secure networks than large enterprise companies. Crooks are just as happy stealing information or requesting a “data ransom” from a smaller company that’s easier to breach.
What types of information is at risk?
- Business email correspondence
- Customer records & credit/debit card details
- Employee records
- Financial information
- Intellectual property
Here are three of the biggest security risks to watch out for.
Phishing Emails/Texts/Social
Phishing has evolved, and now fake links and attachments are sent not just by email but also by text and social messaging. Phishing is still the number one delivery method for malware.
Ransomware
Ransomware demands have been on the rise for several years. Cybercriminals get in, lock you out of your own data, and request several thousand dollars to give you access back.
Spyware
Spyware can sit in a network for years undiscovered, stealing financial information, customer data, and more. That’s why you might hear of a major data breach years after the fact, like the recent one from Marriott, which was identified in 2018, but first started stealing customer data four years earlier.
Compliance Violations
If you take credit cards, you’re subject to the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard regulating the way you handle transmission and storage of payment details. If you’re in the healthcare industry, then the Health Insurance and Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) dictates how you handle patient records. Both have costly penalties if you’re not handling client data securely.
The Components of Multi-Layered Protection
Keeping all the moving parts of an IT network protected and working at peak efficiency is what we do through Connect2Geek’s Managed Security Services. We couldn’t be prouder to keep the businesses of Nampa safe and thriving.
Our multi-layered approach to IT security is a key component of that security success. So, what are those layers that make up a strong data security plan?
Internet Security
Employees are connecting to your cloud-based platforms from multiple devices – desktops, tablets, smartphones – and from multiple physical locations. Keeping all those internet connections safe takes a cloud-based security tool. We use Cisco Umbrella to handle secure internet connections, whether you’re at the office or on airport Wi-Fi.
Managed Anti-virus & Anti-malware
Viruses aren’t the only threat out there that can infect your system. You also need to protect against all types of malware (ransomware, spyware, etc…). A strong managed anti-virus and anti-malware program will constantly scan all computers, servers, and other network connected devices to quarantine threats and keep them from harming your system.
Patch Management
It’s not unusual for us to work on a PC and find that there are several security patches that were never applied. Keeping all your devices updated with the latest security patches is vital to avoiding network vulnerabilities.
Server/Email/Firewall Protection
Next-generation firewalls combine several cybersecurity features into one application. They can protect servers from unwanted intrusions, scan incoming emails for malicious attachments, and provide identity-based security.
Data Backup
Having regular and reliable data backup is a vital part of any data security plan. In the event your data is compromised or made unreadable by ransomware, you’re protected. Cloud-based backup and recovery applications provide the most flexible options for keeping your data safe and easily recoverable.
Physical Security
Beyond just locking your office door, physical security also encompasses good password security and a mobile management plan. If a mobile device is lost or stolen, having a way to wipe the data remotely or disable a login to a company application can significantly reduce security risk.
Need Help with Your Data Security?
Don’t let data security keep you up at night. Connect2Geek’s Managed Security Services are cost effective and ensure all your vital network, computer systems, and data are protected and safe from hackers.
Don’t wait until you’re breached to implement an IT security plan, let’s get it taken care of today! Contact us or call our Security Geeks at 208-468-4323, we’re here waiting to help.