With new cyber risks appearing every day, all companies should be utilising every opportunity to optimise their security systems for maximum protection. Keep reading to find out our top 5 ways to optimise your IT security systems — some of these fixes might be easier than you might think!
1. Install Internet Facing Firewalls
Firewalls protect devices and networks from malicious software attempting to gain unauthorised access via the internet. Though installing internet facing firewalls should be an obvious fix, you’d be surprised how many companies currently go without, thinking they’ll be safe — that is until an attack strikes.
Without a firewall, attackers can gain access to a world of sensitive data, which can cause your company numerous problems financially and even legally. We recommend installing internet facing firewalls on all of your internet-facing devices for ultimate protection.
2. Update Your Software
Ensuring that your software is kept up to date is vital. Out of date software creates vulnerabilities, potentially providing hackers with more opportunities to hack into computer systems. Keeping your software updated with features like security patches helps to secure these vulnerabilities, making it much more difficult for attackers to gain unauthorised access to your protected data.
Ensure to update all of your software, not just your operating system, as any unpatched software presents risks to your company. Protect all of your systems by keeping on top of software updates.
3. Limit Admin Account Use
It can be tempting to use one admin account for numerous devices or users — after all, it can make it simple for different employees to access useful network resources like scheduled tasks, backups and other software that needs to run. However, don’t be fooled; we highly recommend limiting your admin account use if you want to optimise your cyber security.
Think of it this way: if an attacker manages to penetrate just one device, there is a limit to the amount of data they can steal, but if that device is linked to an admin account that the entire team uses, the damage will be much greater. The best cybersecurity practice is to have individually named logins and accounts for all services, set up with only the individual permissions they really require.
4. Avoid Free Antivirus Software
You may be thinking that free antivirus software does the same job as the paid-for versions. It doesn’t. A “good” antivirus solution will:
- Carry out regularly scheduled scans
- Receive regular automated updates
- Scan all executables and files on opening
- Scan all websites upon access for malicious downloads, scripts and other issues.
If your free version doesn’t offer all of this, we recommend upgrading to a paid version that does if you really want to protect your data and improve your cybersecurity.
5. Train Your Users
Though last on this list, one of the best cyber security fixes to avoid an attack is simply training your users. If you want to learn more about this fix and how to implement it, why not try a Practical Cyber Workshop to get up to speed?
As hackers consider users the “weak link”, they are likely to target them directly. Using a range of social engineering tactics to hide ransomware, the act of opening a compromised attachment could have a devastating impact if the ensuing ransomware encrypts all the data on your network. Training your users to recognise these tactics is vital to building your cyber security, and we recommend implementing this fix ASAP.
If You’re Stuck
You’re not alone! Many people need some support when it comes to optimising their cybersecurity, which is why outsourced IT services exist! When it comes to cybersecurity, one mistake can be all it takes, which is why we recommend hiring IT professionals that know what they’re doing. Reduce your cyber risk and thoroughly secure your company’s cybersecurity today by leaving it to the cyber experts.
