In Honor of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month with Decypher Technologies
Cyber attacks are becoming more frequent, and the data proves it. According to the 2024 IBM Cost of a Data Breach report, the average breach now costs $4.88 million—up 10% from last year. Even more concerning, 95% of organizations have experienced multiple breaches, highlighting the growing risk landscape. Small businesses are not immune, with 43% of cyber attacks targeting them specifically, and many struggling to recover. Explore the full report.
With these figures in mind, it’s crucial to understand how to prevent cyber attacks on a business and secure your operations.
In recognition of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’re sharing ten practical ways to strengthen your business’s defenses against cyber attacks.
How To Prevent Cyber Attacks on a Business
1. Conduct Regular Security Audits
Regular audits dig deep into your system, uncovering vulnerabilities that could expose your business. These audits not only highlight weak points but also ensure you remain compliant with industry regulations, helping to avoid costly fines.
Benefit: Find and fix vulnerabilities before they’re exploited.
2. Enforce Strong Password Policies
Recent updates to password guidelines recommend focusing on length rather than complexity. Encouraging employees to use long, memorable passwords—at least 12-16 characters—makes them harder to crack while still being easy to remember. The need for regular password changes has also been reduced, unless a breach is suspected. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) remains crucial, adding an extra layer of security to your systems.
Benefit: Simplify password management while increasing security by focusing on longer passwords and combining them with MFA for extra protection.
3. Keep Software and Systems Updated
Failing to update software opens doors to known vulnerabilities. Automated updates can ensure that both software and hardware are protected by the latest security patches.
Benefit: Stay ahead of potential breaches by keeping your systems up-to-date.
4. Train Employees on Cybersecurity
Your employees are often the first line of defense when it comes to cybersecurity. Regular training on recognizing phishing scams and securely handling data can significantly reduce human error, which is a common cause of data breaches.
Benefit: Reduce human error, a leading cause of breaches, and build a culture of awareness.
5. Use a Robust Firewall
A properly configured firewall blocks unauthorized access to your internal network. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, using a managed firewall ensures continuous monitoring and updates.
Benefit: Strengthen your first line of defense against cyber threats.
6. Backup Your Data Regularly
Data loss from a cyberattack, system failure, or human error can be devastating. Regular backups, stored securely, ensure that you can quickly recover and get back to business.
Benefit: Protect your business from ransomware and downtime by having reliable backups.
7. Monitor Network Activity Continuously
Monitoring your network in real-time allows you to spot suspicious activities before they cause significant damage. Tools like intrusion detection systems (IDS) help detect and stop threats early.
Benefit: Act swiftly against threats before they escalate.
8. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
A compromised Wi-Fi network can allow hackers easy access to your systems. Encrypt your network, change default router passwords, and segment guest Wi-Fi from your main operations.
Benefit: Keep unauthorized users from accessing your internal systems through Wi-Fi.
9. Limit Access to Sensitive Data
Not every employee needs access to all company data. By restricting access based on job roles, you can significantly reduce the potential damage of an internal breach.
Benefit: Minimize insider threats and unauthorized access by controlling who can access sensitive information.
10. Partner with a Trusted Cybersecurity Provider
The threat landscape evolves quickly, and keeping up with the latest security measures can be challenging. Partnering with a trusted cybersecurity provider like Decypher Technologies gives you 24/7 protection and customized solutions to suit your business needs.
Benefit: Gain expert protection and focus on running your business.
Why Decypher Technologies?
At Decypher Technologies, we don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. We work closely with you to understand your business, delivering personalized cybersecurity strategies that ensure lasting protection. With our dedicated team and around-the-clock support, we keep your business secure and focused on growth.
Cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s essential. Contact us today to schedule a cybersecurity assessment and start building a tailored security roadmap for your business. Let’s work together to strengthen your defenses and safeguard your future.
By following these ten strategies, your business can drastically reduce its exposure to cyber threats. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, Decypher Technologies is here to help you stay secure every step of the way.
Stay secure. Stay ahead. Partner with Decypher.