As new enterprise technologies spread, businesses across multiple sectors are coming to terms with a growing and rapidly evolving landscape of cyber threats. How can you ensure that your company is protected against cyber-attacks?

Review your security policies

From email phishing scams to ransomware to malicious websites, it is important to stay updated on the latest and most prevalent types of cyber-attacks and scams. Equally important is the need to train your employees how to recognize them.

Keep in mind that your IT security strategy affects everyone in the organization. Therefore, staff training on cyber-security needs to address both external security threats as well as internal best practices relating to data security and privacy.

Regularly audit and update your systems

Simply ensure that your network and computing devices are kept up to date. Don’t ignore security notifications and alerts being sent from your operating systems, anti-virus software, web browsers and firewalls. Waiting to apply updates can leave your data and networks vulnerable to hacks and malware.

A bring your own device (BYOD) policy that allows employees to bring their own laptops, tablets and smartphones to work creates significant security risks and challenges in terms of securing your corporate data. Providing employees with appropriate training on personal device security can help mitigate these risks. Combine your training alongside technology-based solutions, such as maintaining an app blacklist and encrypting company documents, to ensure standardized protocols for data protection.

Enhance your cloud security

Reduce your risk by encrypting your data before uploading it to the cloud, or by using a cloud service that encrypts it by default.

A common problem is employees using the same password for all their different accounts. It only takes one password being stolen to expose all of their data. Advise employees to take a sentence they find particularly memorable, and condense it into a sequence of letters and numbers that is difficult to crack.

Also ensure that you use strong cloud passwords that are changed regularly, and implement two-step verification options – such as requiring an SMS code along with a password to log in at the beginning of each day.

Be prepared against cyber-attacks

Rather than waiting for a cyber-attack, it’s much more sensible to assume that one will happen, and plan accordingly. By having the right tools, people and training programs in place, your company will be much better prepared for the worst when it occurs.