6 Important Ways To Protect Your Company From Cyber Criminals

Businesses are constantly under attack from cyber criminals hoping to steal customer data, such as credit card numbers and other private information. To protect your employees and customers as well as your company from liability takes these important steps.

1. Make Sure Your Software Is Secure

Monitor your software on a regular basis to make sure it’s secure. Anytime you get a reminder from your software company, update your software. Also, think about a penetration test. A penetration test scope is a key to your security. Have a penetration test scope done to ensure there are no vulnerabilities in any of the software your company uses.

2. Backup Your Data and Encrypt It

Back up your data on a regular basis. That way, if your computer system gets a virus, you won’t lose any of your data if you have to wipe out your computer’s memory and then reload it. 

Also, invest in a virtual private network or VPN. It will encrypt your data so that hackers won’t be able to access it. Make sure all company computers have this VPN. That way if you have remote workers who use public Wi-Fi, you don’t have to worry that your company information is vulnerable. 

3. Use Strong Passwords

Creating a strong password ensures hackers can’t break into private accounts. Use a longer password rather than a shorter one, and never use personal information to create your password. Hackers can easily find your birthday.

Try to include symbols and numbers in your password as well as upper and lowercase letters. Don’t use any word that can be found in a dictionary. Instead, think of an acronym using a favorite phrase or song. 

4. Teach Your Employees About Cyber Risks

Make sure your employees understand the risks of cyberhacking. Encourage your workers to protect any devices they take home from work. Train your workers how to recognize suspicious activities, including new apps that appear or a sudden loss of keyboard ability.

There are also online courses that your employees can take, many of them at a reasonable cost. Sign up for these classes and take them at least once a year. 

5. Limit Who Has Access to Sensitive Data

The more workers who have access to your sensitive information, the greater risk of vital data getting into the wrong hands. Limit the number of employees who can access it. 

6. Screen Potential Employees

Screen potential workers not only to prevent a high turnover but also to protect your company from theft. Employees can steal equipment, but they can also steal sensitive data. Run a criminal background check on all candidates. Verify their job history. If they lie about where they’ve worked, they won’t be trustworthy. Do a drug screening on all candidates as well.

If cyber criminals or even employees steal your clients’ private information, it could harm your reputation in the industry and expose you to potential lawsuits. Take the necessary steps to ensure your company is safe from hacking to protect your workers and your company.