Cybersecurity – Strengthen Your Team’s Defense - Altera Technology Newcastle Computer Services and Solutions

Cybersecurity Awareness: Strengthening Your Team’s Defense with Essential Cyber Hygiene

As technology continues to advance, so does the need for our heightened awareness. As well as proactive measures to safeguard sensitive information.

Cybersecurity can seem like an insurmountable task for everyday people. But it’s not only a job for the IT team. Everyone can play a part in keeping their organization’s data safe. Not to mention their own data. At Altera Technology we ourselves have robust solutions to ensure our data and our customers data is safe.

Following these basics can make a big difference in how secure your network remains.

4 Best Practices For Your Business To Implement

These are:

1.Enabling multi-factor authentication

2.Using strong passwords and a password manager

3.Updating software

4.Recognizing and reporting phishing

Let’s take a closer look at these four best practices of good cyber hygiene.

Essential Cyber Hygiene: 4 Keys to a Strong Defense

Central to Cybersecurity Awareness is the promotion of essential cyber hygiene practices. We follow good hygiene to maintain physical health. For example, we brush our teeth every day.

Cybersecurity also requires ongoing good hygiene practices to secure the online environment. These practices form the foundation of a strong cybersecurity defense. They help both individuals and organizations.

Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds a vital layer of security to all logins. In most cases, a hacker can’t breach an account protected by MFA. This is the case even if the cyber crook has the password.

According to Microsoft, MFA can block 99.9% of attempted account compromise attacks. With that strong track record, everyone really should be using it. And using it on every login they have. Altera Technology believe that Multi-Factor Authentication should be enabled wherever possible. Most staff would opt out of this given the choice. You as the business leader will need to insist upon its implementation.

Strong Passwords & a Password Manager

Passwords remain a critical aspect of securing online accounts. Despite the increased use of biometrics, passwords still rule. Encourage your team members to use strong, unique passwords for each account. Avoid easily guessable information like birthdays or names.

Companies can help by setting strong password enforcement rules. This requires a strong password before it’s accepted in a system. For example, you may set up a policy that requires a password to have

At least 12 characters

At least 1 upper case letter

At least 1 lower case letter

At least 1 number

At least 1 symbol

Updating Software

Outdated software creates vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. Regularly update operating systems, applications, and firmware. This ensures the latest security patches are in place.

Automating updates is a good way to ensure they’re done promptly. At Altera Technology we can set up all your systems and programs to update when patches are released. If you choose to do this as a company yourself – who is responsible?

Recognizing and Reporting Phishing

Phishing attacks are a common way in for cyber threats. Train your team to identify phishing emails, suspicious links, and unsolicited attachments. Encourage them to verify the sender’s email address. As well as never provide sensitive information unless certain of the recipient’s authenticity. A simple phone call to the company through your normal lines of communication could prevent most threats.

It’s also important to educate employees about phishing beyond email. Phishing via text messages has been increasing significantly. Some criminals phish via direct messages on social media platforms.

Another important aspect of phishing awareness is to report phishing. If it’s reported, then other employees know to avoid that phishing trap. The organization’s IT team also needs to know so they can take action to mitigate the threat. Be sure to let employees know how they can report a phishing email when they suspect one. When reporting don’t forward an email, take a screenshot and send that.

We Can Help You Put the Best Cyber Hygiene Practices in Place

Prioritize essential Cyber hygiene practices in your business. Building a culture of cybersecurity awareness within your team is important. It can be the difference between vulnerability and resilience.

Need some help ensuring a more secure and resilient future? Our team of experts can get you going on the basics. Once those are in place, your organization will be more productive and much more secure.

These are just some of the basic parts of the Essential Eight recommended by the Australian Cyber Security Center. Our team at Altera Technology can direct you how to comply better with the Essential Eight. Book a Free consultation today.

Give us a call today to schedule a chat. (02) 49421722