One of the most basic things you need to consider when doing business online is that the World Wide Web is an open arena with no established security. Once you have learned to appreciate that the inte ... [Read more]
Business owners should not depend on luck or precautions to keep their services safe. Experts agree that every business should have a strategic plan to implement and ensure cyber security. This includes a planned out approach to safeguard the existing systems of a business and protect all information moving forward. The Federal Communications Commission has in fact set up Small Biz Cyber Planner which aims to aid businesses to evaluate their existing posture towards cyber security and help them carry out a plan of action. This plan is carefully calculated and tested out by experts to eradicate cyber attacks from a business
Viruses, worms, Trojans, and other hacking technics continue to invade business data to fraudulently obtain and use confidential information to compromise the business and their clients. According to the Federal Communications Commission, here are the key points to a comprehensive cyber security strategy:
Prevention: A business needs to identify their set of solutions, procedures, and governing policies for their website, services, and the company as whole to reduce, if not totally eliminate, risk of attacks.
Resolution: Although precautionary plans should be set, businesses should also make sure to keep resolution strategies at hand. Online attacks are unexpected and the only thing businesses can do to counter these unwarranted possibilities is to stop its damage at the earliest stage and remedy the situation as soon as possible. This is why resolution plans, resources, and procedure must be at the ready at all times.
Restitution: In the event that the business networks or systems are compromised, repercussions must be halted before it can balloon into a serious hazard. The company needs to acknowledge the situation but also be quick to pacify their clients and offer resolutions.
Who Can Help? It is easy to get side-tracked in the face of cyber-attacks when networks go down and confidential information are at risk that’s why it is important for business owners to know who to turn to in these events. Both the software provider and Internet Service Provider of companies have the responsibility and faculties to help their clients with these regards. In fact, internet service providers normally devote services and resources especially crafted to guide subscribers in securing their online activities. The business plans of internet service subscriptions are often different and inclusive of tighter security measures. Business persons should be aware of what plans they are eligible of and at their full disposal. Likewise, providers of security and other software can offer assistance and often have special plans for the same purpose available for small and big business establishments.
First Line of Defence A company’s first line of defence should still be their employees. No matter how tight the security measures and strategic the precautions are, these tactics would still not stand if the people operating the networks it protects are not mindful of their actions. A company should therefore ensure that their security plan starts with proper employee training. Business members should be well-equipped in knowledge and skills to assist their company in keeping the networks and computers safe. Employee awareness must start by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of each member in safeguarding company properties – both physical and virtual. In this endeavour, companies should make sure to cover the following: Keeping Computers Clean – companies must establish clear rules as to what employees can install, download, and keep on their computers. There also must be governing policies to ensure these rules are carried out and followed. Through this action plan, businesses can deter external programs which may lead to security vulnerabilities. Keeping Passwords Strong – companies must make it a practice to encourage their employees to use strong passwords. Employees should of course be able to recognize the characteristics of a solid password to keep confidential data remain private. Keeping Basic Precautions – companies should instil a vigilant mind-set among their employees in that people should be wary of what emails to open, what links to click, and what attachments to download. Even if the source looks familiar, employees should not be hasty in opening suspicious data. Keeping a Backup for Work – companies must teach their employees how to save their work effectively and safely. This practice lets them save time and avoid the trouble of losing important data and work progress. Keeping an Open Door Policy – companies must provide an open avenue for employees to report any suspicious activity which can compromise the company security. These safety guidelines were deliberated by different security-oriented organizations such as the Federal Communications Commission to establish a solid cyber security plan especially crafted for businesses.
