Cybersecurity Checklist: Essential Tips to Keep You Safe Online

Cybersecurity Tips to Keep You Safe Online | IT Resources Tampa, FLToday, we cover what to currently watch for with cybersecurity threats. Get tips for your team to safeguard your company's key data. (You're going to want to bookmark this article from IT Resources.)

No business wants to be a statistic. With increasing cyber threats and data breaches becoming alarmingly common, protecting your professional and personal data has never been more critical. It's important to take proactive measures - like reading this article - to protect yourself and the company online.

Start implementing these essential cybersecurity practices today to better protect your sensitive information from cybercriminals. And remember, should you need support, call our remote IT specialists; we're here to help with any IT issues so you can get back to work.  

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Common Cybersecurity Threats

Hackers are increasing their attacks on small and mid-sized companies, and cyber threats change daily. These are the most common cybersecurity threats to be aware of:

Ransomware is a significant threat, where malicious software encrypts a victim's files, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid to the attacker. This type of malware can spread through phishing emails, malicious websites, or exploiting vulnerabilities in software. Ransomware attacks can have devastating effects on individuals and organizations, leading to data loss and significant financial costs.

Malware (which includes viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware) is a category of malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. Malware can be delivered through:

• infected email attachments,

• compromised websites,

• removable media like USB drives

Once installed, malware can steal sensitive information, monitor user activity, or even take control of the affected system!

We warn companies, especially those with remote or hybrid workers, of Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks. When this happens, a hacker intercepts and potentially alters the communication between two parties without their knowledge. This can happen through unsecured Wi-Fi networks or compromised routers. MitM attacks can lead to the theft of sensitive information, such as login credentials, financial data, or personal communications, as the cyber attacker can eavesdrop on the conversation and manipulate the data being exchanged.

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are prolonged and targeted cyberattacks in which an intruder gains access to a network and remains undetected for an extended period. These attacks aim to steal sensitive information, intellectual property, or disrupt critical business infrastructure. APTs often involve multiple stages, including reconnaissance, initial compromise, lateral movement, and data exfiltration.

IT Resources Tip: Watch for phishing attempts! These often come in the form of unsolicited emails or messages that create a sense of urgency. The message might claim that your account has been compromised & you need to verify your information immediately. Be careful with any communication that pressures you to act quickly! We tell clients to check the sender's email address carefully. Phishers often use email addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but may have slight misspellings or extra characters. For example, an email from 'support@paypa1.com' instead of 'support@paypal.com' is a common trick used to deceive people!

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Basic Cybersecurity Practices Everyone Should Follow

It's important that everyone on your team be diligent about cybersecurity issues. Your business does depend on it.  

Here are IT best practices to share with your staff:

• Be skeptical of unfamiliar emails and links - if you think you shouldn't click it, you're probably right.

• Make backup copies of important business data and information.  See some of our recommendations on when you should back up your data here.  

• Use strong, unique passwords for each employee and consider a password manager

• Use 2FA when possible and create a mobile device action plan for your team to follow

• Use a firewall to protect information, computers, and networks from cyber attacks

• If you accept online payments, isolate payment systems and update your network security controls often

• Keep security policies updated and consistent. Remember to train employees in any new security best practices!

Most importantly, work with either your internal IT department or your Managed Service Provider, like IT Resources, to stay on top of security issues. We implement proactive strategies to support your IT needs. That way, you're not surprised by a security breach. Contact our Tampa, FL based remote IT team for an audit and see how we can help today.  

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What Steps Should be Taken if a Security Breach Occurs?

Now, should the worst happen, and your business experiences a breach here are steps to take.  

First, immediately contain the breach to prevent further unauthorized access. This may involve disconnecting affected systems from the network or disabling compromised accounts. From there, you can assess the scope and impact of the breach, identifying which systems, data, and users were affected.

Engage with cybersecurity experts or an incident response team to investigate the breach. They can provide a detailed analysis of how the breach occurred and recommend steps to mitigate the damage. While we work to restore your data, you can notify relevant stakeholders, including internal teams, management, and possibly customers or clients about what's going on. (We believe transparency is key.)

Implement measures to prevent future breaches. This may involve updating security protocols, patching vulnerabilities, enhancing monitoring systems, conducting employee training on cybersecurity best practices, or hiring an IT company for support. An IT specialist will help you review and update your incident response plan based on lessons learned from the breach. This ensures that your organization is better prepared for any future incidents.

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Making Technology Work for You

Staying vigilant against cyber threats is not just a technical responsibility—it's a shared duty. Continue to equip yourself with the knowledge to outsmart cybercriminals and secure your data. By following the cybersecurity practices outlined in this article, you’re taking significant steps to protect your personal and professional information.  

Taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity is the best defense. Start implementing these practices today and make cybersecurity an integral part of your daily routine.

Remember: It's more than cybersecurity that can impact your company's IT. We tailor our IT support for your needs offering more advanced tips, tools, and guides as your IT partner. Call IT Resources to see how we can help your company.

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