For many businesses, digital security isn’t as much of a focus when compared to other aspects of their business. Many feel secure with their current or default digital security format. This, however, leads to many problems, as new obstacles and hurdles exist. As more and more reliance is placed on the Internet and related software-hardware technology, the threat of cyber crimes and the importance of digital security could not be denied. Below are some ideas supporting that.
Cyber Crimes Are on the Rise
One of the most prevailing issues that came with the development of smart technology is data and information theft. Many ill-intentioned people are looking to steal and then exploit confidential data for monetary gain. Within the past few years, cybercrime caused major expenses among businesses affected- a whopping 12 million dollars. And as new technologies are being developed, and many businesses turn to technology to make their operations efficient, this number is projected to increase.
IoT Devices Are Becoming More Common
Cybercrimes aren’t limited to information theft. it can even extend to something considerable such as outright tampering with system software which can ultimately cause irreparable damages to hardware. This is why digital security is important: for example, a manufacturer’s factory management software must be secure to prevent malicious people from interfering or tampering with the system. This is particularly crucial in the case of industrial-grade manufacturers as it can set back production lines, affecting efficiency and productivity greatly.
The Need to Educate People Outside of the IT Department
Contrary to popular cinema and media depictions, “hacking” doesn’t happen when a lone cyber-criminal magically accesses your mainframe through rapid typing and inputting of keys. It happens at a far more sinister level: deluding innocent employees to give up crucial information, often pretending to be internal officials.
Educating your whole staff, not just IT employees, when it comes to awareness is important. Security begins at a personal level: an individual recognizes a potential security threat and acts accordingly, i.e. not giving out information that can lead to potential damage.
Cyber Attacks Are Costly
As mentioned before, cybercrimes cost companies millions of dollars. Rectifying and resolving these security issues don’t go cheap either, and leaving your digital security unattended is a disaster waiting to happen. As business infrastructures are starting to be linked and connected, many experts predict that these cyber attacks will result in increasingly high expenses. Which makes cybersecurity an all the more important aspect of businesses.
Of course, we’re not defenseless against cybercrime. Here are some preventive measures to help everyone out:
Good Cyber Security Practices
Your password shouldn’t be “password”. And no, it shouldn’t be the same throughout all your accounts either. Follow the advice on password creation: 8-12 characters, has upper and lowercase letters, and includes a number and special character. Avoid passwords that can be easily linked to you, like your birthday or your partner’s.
Secure your Wi-Fi. Your Wi-Fi also needs protection, and that means regularly changing your Wi-Fi password. Also, learn what WPA2 is and use it as your password type as it’s more secure.
Have anti-virus software. This should not come as a mere option but as a requirement because it will help shield your tech from potential attacks. What’s good is that there are many known anti-virus software out there. Get one and make sure it’s always on for your protection.
Don’t open suspicious links, emails, and texts. They say if something is too good to be true, it probably is. If you receive an email or text message claiming that you have won a raffle you didn’t even join, you should know not to trust them with your personal information. And even if you had joined a raffle, you will be notified and proper procedure will still be followed. No personal or sensitive information should be sent via email or any messaging platform.
Secure your mobile devices. Wherever you are, you shouldn’t leave your gadgets unattended. Don’t think that just because you are only a few steps away from your table at a cafe, you can quickly ring up your order and turn your back away from your laptop. Not only are you risking your gadget being stolen, but your personal files and data as well.
As the whole world becomes increasingly connected and many of our tasks, both personal and professional, require technology, we’re more prone to cybercrime. Being aware of what cybercrimes are and how they happen is fast becoming basic knowledge to acquire. Through constant vigilance and education, we can prevent these cyber crimes from happening.