Category Archives: Cybersecurity

3 Cybersecurity Tips for Entrepreneurs

Posted on by Bobbi Sanchez
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In 2017, a number of 24.089 records were compromised based on the average data breach records. This cost businesses over $3.62 million in a single year. At this point, it is believed that one in four online businesses can expect a data breach at some point of their existence on the online market.

Cyber security is a huge concern of people who use technology. It has received a lot of press in the past few years, which results in continuous updates and changes that aim to reduce, if not eliminate, cybercrime on the Internet. As a person who has an online business, you need not only learn what is cyber security, but also learn how to protect your online business from criminals.

Seeing how the numbers above are only expected to grow, there are some things you must do to protect your business from cyber-attacks.

1. Make Good Use of Cloud Storage

Did you know that 43% of all cyber-attacks occur on small businesses and startups? This means that, even if you’re an entrepreneur at a small business, your data is still at risk. Thanks to clouds, you can now keep your data safe from breaches and incidental losses.

However, remember that clouds aren’t always are completely safe. You’re still at risk when you store your data in a cloud format. Some of the more popular cloud options like Google Drive and Dropbox do their best to secure your content. But, no matter how hard a cloud server plants cyber security into their products, you are still vulnerable.

Therefore, you should choose the safest cloud you can find, but also provide an extra layer of encryption to protect your data. To keep it secure, you need to use various encryption SSL systems and tools. This doesn’t make a cloud service bad, but it makes you a responsible and cautious entrepreneur. Think of it this way – it is like when you order assignment help in Sydney from the most popular company, but still use a plagiarism checker to make absolutely sure of the originality.

2. Always Use Strong Passwords

A password can determine whether a cyber-criminal accesses your data or not. It’s the part of the security keychain that’s most commonly the reason for breaches. Therefore, you need to make sure that you have the most secure password on all your systems, data, e-mails, and even profiles on websites.

Your cyber security plan must include utilization of stronger passwords with complex order and more characters. Thankfully, there are plenty of tools and apps that can help you pick the best password.

3. Require Multi-Factor Authentication

To make it even harder for attackers to use your business data, require multi-factor authentication to keep your accounts protected. You can combine passwords, make use of your hardware and smartphone, and even use your fingerprint or face recognition to unlock an account.

The face recognition feature is currently under debate when it comes to security. It is really handy, yes, but a single picture of your face can unlock the account. However, taking into consideration that most cyber criminals don’t know what you look like but are only interested in business data, you can definitely consider it as one of the authentication methods. It may be necessary to use one of these top VPN providers.

Conclusion

Technology has been one of the best and most effective changes in the business world. However, all great things come with their own set of risks, which in this case, is cybercrime. As an entrepreneur, it is your obligation and job to keep the business data safe and confidential. Therefore, it is time to make some changes to implement a safer and stronger cybersecurity strategy that will give your business a better chance to thrive and survive. In the unlikely event that you still got attacked by cybercriminals even with the necessary precautions taken, look for a digital forensics company to help you.

10 Ways to Secure Your Information Across Your Devices Online

Posted on by Christopher Nichols
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The digital revolution has brought great advances in public access to information. Before the internet, you needed a set of encyclopedias or a visit to the library to find things out. Now, almost any information you desire is at your fingertips, on the computer. But the same technology that permits information access online makes us vulnerable to invasion by others seeking valuable information or resources from us. So it is vital in this digital age to take strong steps to protect yourself and devices.

Here are 10 ways to secure your information across your devices online:

1. Pick Strong Passwords

This is the obvious one, but you’d be amazed how many people choose simple passwords that are easy for sophisticated hackers to hack. Algorithms can go through millions of simple possibilities in seconds. A good password should contain/include alphabetical, symbolic, and numeric characters. It should be of sufficient length, 10-12 characters, and not contain obvious names or words. Acronyms make good passwords because they are easy to remember, yet do not present discernible patterns for hackers. Also, obviously your passwords across different apps should be different, not the same.

2. Protect Your Passwords

They are the keys to your digital kingdom! Do not give your passwords to others. Password manager apps are one great answer for those who have many passwords. If you do use a password manager app, make sure their reputation is excellent and security strong. After all, someone who gains access to that information will pretty much gain access to all that you own, in one form or another. Change your passwords when notified of any security breach

3. Maintain Separate User and Admin Accounts

Maintaining separate user and admin accounts is a common, almost universal, practice in business settings these days. It is a good idea for your home devices as well. Protect your admin account with a password. Use this account only for admin purposes. If your computer is hacked, the hacker will not automatically have access to make administrative changes. It also makes sense to protect your user account with a password. If your computer is stolen, the thief will need to know the password to immediately access any information you keep on file.

4. Keep Software Current

This is done automatically, in large part, these days on many computers. If you don’t have your computer set up to automatically update at specified times, do so. Many updates are security fixes to combat vulnerabilities in programs. There is a continuous race between developers and hackers who wish to exploit these vulnerabilities. If you are not updating, hackers can easily win this race! Back up your files. It is also a good idea to back up all vital information on two flash drives. Store one and keep the other with you when you go places. In the unlikely event of some kind of disaster (fire, hurricane, theft, etc.) you will maintain your vital information.

5. Connect With Care

Connect only to secure sites. Do not use public Wi-Fi to conduct personal or business affairs. If you must connect to sites where security is questionable, use a strong Virtual Private Network (VPN) like Surfshark. Try it here.

6. Practice Multi-Factor Authentication

Two-factor, or multi-factor, authentication is the use of more than one form of identity verification to gain site access. Passwords are one method. Security questions are another often-used form of authentication. But many times the information commonly used is easily available to identity thieves as well. So, if you are going to use a security question, make sure the information is personal and truly private. Biometrics is another method growing in sophistication and popularity. Facial recognition or iris identification should someday be the norm in all computers. Fingerprints or voice identification are other good examples. Biometrics authentication is the future state of the art, although all methods still face challenges. Some devices have biometric capability now. Passwords will become a thing of the past, although they’re still vital currently! Setting alerts on your online accounts is another good practice.

7. Use Caution with Emails

One of the most common security breaches comes from replying to or opening links in fraudulent emails. This is commonly known as phishing. Never open a link in an email unless you are absolutely certain it is from a trusted source. Don’t even open it then. A common hacker practice is to gain entrance to one account and use that account to send phony messages to all contacts, with requests for money or information. Phishing emails have led to many notorious security breaches. Think of the 2016 elections, when a phishing email led to the massive DNC security breach.

8. Use a Good Security App

This is just good common sense. In this day and age, a good security app is a must. Many decent apps are free, but this is one area where it likely pays to pay. Consumer advocate sites rate the top security apps each year. If you don’t have one, hurry to check these ratings out, then purchase a good app. Visit at least 2 or 3 sites to get a consensus. Then check customer reviews as well.

9. Minimize Physical Access Possibilities

Physical access to any of your devices may be the easiest way for someone to gain vital personal information. Don’t leave your computer up and running in public. Do not leave important applications open anywhere while you are absent. Protect access with a strong password. Although best practice with passwords is to not keep physical copies, in the real world, where you might have 50 passwords, this is often not practical. Keep password information in a secure spot.

10. Utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

The VPN has become vital to maintain strong internet security. VPNs encrypt information and route your connection through a remote server. Your actual identity and location are masked by that server. VPNs also permit connection to sites that are geographically restricted or forbidden. They protect information when using public Wi-Fi. VPNs can be used to stream video such as Hulu or Netflix. VPNs permit download access without a digital footprint. Business users can log on to their business networks while traveling. One of the highest rated VPNs is Surfshark. Surfshark has more than 500 servers in all parts of the globe to facilitate strength and speed of connection. They were recently named a top VPN newcomer. Surfshark now offers annual plans with decreased cost and 24/7 support. Presently, a no risk trial is available. This is an excellent opportunity to secure a strong VPN network at an unusually low price.