12 Tips For Protecting Your Business Data From Hackers

As a business owner, you know that data is the lifeblood of your company. You work hard to protect it from competitors and provide access to the right people in your organization. But what do you do when hackers threaten everything?  In this post, we’ll give you 12 tips for protecting your business data from hackers so that all of your efforts don’t go down the drain.

Tip # 1: Remain Wary Of Links

A common tactic hackers use to obtain company data is sending employees a link that looks like it’s coming from someone they know. Make sure you don’t click on any links in emails or text messages unless you are confident the person who sent them to you actually did so.

• Protect your company from cyber attacks
• Stay safe online with this easy to follow solution
• Take control of what links you click on
• Keep the employees in your office safe

Tip # 2: Create Strong Passwords And Change Them Frequently.

It’s important to vary your passwords as much as possible. Don’t use the same password for everything and change them frequently; this will help protect you from cyber attacks in case one of your accounts is compromised.

Protect Your Personal Data. If a hacker manages to access a company profile, they’ll usually try their luck with an employee’s personal account next. Make sure that you have strong privacy settings on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc., so criminals can’t steal any information about you through these channels.

Tip # 3: To Protect Your Data From Hackers, Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication.

Create strong passwords and change them frequently. It’s important to vary your passwords as much as possible. Don’t use the same password for everything and change them frequently; this will help protect you from cyber attacks in case one of your accounts is compromised.

Tip # 4: Tighten Network Security By Running An Antivirus Software Program.

Tightening your network security will help keep thieves from breaking in. Keep software updated and change default passwords on webcams. Hackers can steal personal data by accessing a webcam without permission, so make sure that you update the software of any device with an internet connection to prevent these types of intrusions.

Tip #5: Install A Fully-Functional Firewall.

This will help to keep hackers out of your system. Install a web application firewall. A Web Application Firewall (WAF) is an additional layer of security that helps protect you from hack attempts.

Tip #6: Hide Administrator’s Pages.

Hide administrator’s pages in order to prevent hackers from gaining access. Hide your site with a Content Delivery Network (CDN). Hide Your Site With A CDN by using content that is hosted on servers across the world, you can protect against local data center problems on one end or another of your network.

If someone has administrative rights to your account, they will be able to do anything including deleting all of the work and files in it which could result in irreparable damage for the company. You should make sure that only people who have been given permission are allowed into this area so as not jeopardize any sensitive information about customers and employees alike.

Tip # 7: Limit The Number Of Files You Upload.

Restrict the number of people who can upload content. Limit where files are uploaded to and how they’re shared with others, in order to prevent hackers from accessing your data.

Tip # 8: Utilize SSL.

Use SSL to encrypt communication between your computer and the server, so that passwords or other sensitive data cannot be intercepted. Utilize SSL automatically for Web sites that collect sensitive information (such as passwords or credit card numbers). Enable this option within Settings > Security so that all visitors will use an encrypted connection when browsing through a site’s pages and forms, even if it has one form field on its homepage requiring entry of personal info such as name, email address, etc.).

Tip # 9: Remove Autofill.

If you’re using a form to collect information in one of your fields, disable autofill so that people can’t simply input their own data instead.

 Tip # 10: Back-up Date Frequently.

Include the following in your Back-up: Your Documents folder, alias to a backup external hard drive. (This will only back up documents and not necessarily all of your other files.)

Copy any important information off of an old computer before you upgrade or dispose of it. If possible, save these files on another device like a flash drive so that if something ever happens with the second copy they’re both gone. Some items can be stored online–think about backing up to Dropbox for example. Backing up data this way is called “cloud storage.”

If you have sensitive information such as credit card numbers saved on your machine through Internet shopping sites, make sure to delete them from time-to-time.

Tip # 11: Install Security Software.

Install security applications. Install a firewall and antivirus software on your PC to prevent attacks from outside sources, as well as other harmful programs like spyware that can steal data such-as passwords or credit card numbers. Install an anti-spyware application if you do not have one already. Install firewalls for both wireless and wired networks in order to keep hackers out of the system when accessing it remotely through open ports. Turn off file sharing on Windows machines by going into Control Panel > Network Connections > Properties > Services Tab > File Sharing Service then unchecking “File Share”. Disable remote access features like Remote Desktop or Terminal Server so outsiders cannot take control over the computer without being detected.

Tip # 12: Restrict Downloads.

Avoid downloading anything that is not necessary. Avoid shortcuts to web pages or files from unknown sources, as well as those with TSRs and ActiveX controls. Avoid using peer-to-peer networks to share data because it may contain viruses and spyware that can steal information like passwords or credit card numbers. Avoid opening email attachments unless you are certain they are legitimate messages sent by someone whose identity you know; otherwise, delete them without opening them at all.

Do You Need a Professional Cybersecurity Team You Can Trust?

Cantrell’s Information Technologies has been providing cybersecurity to business owners throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years. We provide multiple layers of security for HIPAA, FINRA, and PCI compliance as well as training against IT threats when it comes to computer viruses. We also provide local classroom and small group training, web-based training and simulated phishing attacks to help end-users better understand and defend against cyber threats. Many of our customers initially work with us to help them improve the way they store, access, and protect their critical business data from cybercriminals. We also help them move or expand their offices. We support the needs of our East Bay customers including businesses located in Concord, Martinez, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, and Pleasant Hill. Contact us today for your free consultation!