Did you know that cybercrime is more lucrative than the global illicit drug trade? In 2018, profit from illegal drugs amounted to $400 billion. Meanwhile, cybercriminals netted over $600 billion the same year. Data breaches are expensive, and they cost companies not only time but also money. And often, it’s easy to avoid them. It all starts with educating your employees about cybersecurity.
Why Do Cybercriminals Target Businesses?
Every business has valuable data. We tend to hear only the biggest stories, such as the attacks on Equifax, Capital One, Fortnite, and other large-scale platforms. But hackers target small and medium companies too. Smaller enterprises have weaker security protocols. Thus, it’s much easier for a hacker to penetrate one of their networks.
Cybercriminals know how to hit you where it hurts. They can identify valuable data and find ways to exploit it. In some cases, they may steal staff records to sell on the web. Or, they may knock down your website with DDoS or resort to ransomware attacks. These happen when hackers block access to crucial files on your devices. And then you have to pay a significant amount of money to get access back. It may not even be sensitive information, but a work file you spent months creating. Hackers will put a hefty price tag on it because companies would rather pay rather than risk losing something valuable to them.
A Little Cybersecurity Training Goes A Long Way
It’s impossible to know how many threats are on the internet. But any device connected to the internet is vulnerable. But don’t panic just yet. Like other crimes, data breaches are crimes of opportunity. An unsecured network or other security flaw is like leaving the front door wide open for robbers to enter your house. Instead, protect your business by using some of these great strategies and tools. Here is a quick list of things you need to make sure every person at your company does.
1) Secure Your Files
Your files are a potential goldmine to hackers. Don’t leave them unprotected. Instead, use a file encryption service like NordLocker. With Nordlocker, you encrypt your files using the latest security technology. And only people with the file password can access them. There’s no way for hackers to open them and exploit your data. You don’t need to encrypt everything, but anything valuable for your personal and professional life should use encryption. That includes work documents, private photos, and videos, along with anything you upload to the cloud.
5) Scan All Files
You need to scan anything you download even if you’ve received it from a trusted sender. Nowadays, hackers have become more sophisticated when it comes to malware. They may be able to corrupt a legitimate file that runs as it should on the surface. But underneath may be a keylogger, device cloner, or other threat. Use file scan tools like VirusTotal before you download anything to make sure the files are malware-free.
The Bottom Line Related to Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity can make or break a small business. Severe attacks can shut down your networks, make you lose access to files, and disrupt the productivity of your employees. Thus, you should always train your employees about cybersecurity.
