Cyber Security - How to Protect Your Computer From Hackers

Cyber Security is a multi-layered process. Think of each tool put in place to protect your data as a wall, and each “wall” is part of your “cyber fortress.” The more walls you have in place, the harder it is for cybercriminals to breach your network and your data. Installing a single anti-virus program is no longer sufficient to protect against hackers. The good news is that there are many small steps that you can take right now to safeguard your network and all your devices:

• Install Anti-virus Software – Cyberattacks on small to midsized businesses have gone up by more than 400% over the past year. Anti-virus software can identify viruses and malware, and pre-emptively stop a cyberattack.
  • Keep your anti-virus program up to date. New viruses flood cyberspace every day. Continuously updating virus definitions is critical to staying current with the necessary protections.
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• Use Strong and Unique Passwords – “One-password-fits-all” isn’t safe anymore. It might be more convenient to use one password for every account, but it also makes hacking your accounts more convenient for cybercriminals. A password manager is a good tool for creating unique and complicated passwords and managing them for you. This way, you will have strong passwords at your disposal, and you won’t have to remember all of them.
• Use Two-Factor Authentication – By taking the time to authenticate with two different categories of credentials for login or transactions, you are adding a simple, additional layer of security at no extra cost.
• Confirm You Are Using a Firewall – Firewalls can prevent unauthorized access to your business network and alert you to potential cyber threats. Firewalls alone are no longer sufficient overall protection. However, they are part of the first-line layer of protection that should be part of any cyber security plan.
• Install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) – A VPN is another cost-effective way to secure your online activities. VPNs encrypt your data and create a network “tunnel” within your network. They disguise your identity and your location. A would-be hacker will see only garbled text and the IP address of the VPN server. You and your data are hidden.
• Install All Updates – It is essential for you to keep your operating system, browser and apps up to date. Many updates contain security fixes from the developers.
• Ignore Spam – The best practice with all spam is to ignore it. As curious as you might be and as appealing as an offer might look, move on without opening it.
• Shut Down Your Computer Every Day – Unattended computers left open are an invitation for internal or external cybercriminals to breach your data. Shutting down at the end of every day should be part of your company’s basic cyber security best practices.
• Ensure Your Network is Secure – Cyber security, especially in the business world, is not for amateurs. Your small to midsized business should enlist IT experts to evaluate your network security to be sure you have the proper layers of protection in place to secure your hard-earned business data.
• Secure All Devices – Securing mobile devices must be included in your overall cyber security plan. Even printer security must be considered, as every device represents an endpoint through which hackers can attack your network.

Securing Mobile Devices

These additional steps should be standard best practices for protecting your mobile devices from cyber attacks:

Don’t Use Public WiFi – Unless you have a reliable VPN installed on your phone, tablet or laptop, avoid using public WiFi. Nearby hackers are ready, willing and able to steal your private data when you log on through a public WiFi network.

Turn Off Bluetooth When Not Using It – Leaving your Bluetooth “On” and dormant supplies another access point for cybercriminals.

Install Anti-Virus/Spyware Apps – Just as you protect your network and your PC, you need to install cyber protection to safeguard laptops, cell phones and tablets.

Strengthen Your Phone’s Passcode – Choose six-character passcodes over four-character ones and avoid using passcodes that are simple to remember. Unfortunately, they are often the ones that are easiest to hack.

Routinely Clear Your Browsing History – Clearing your browsing history on a regular basis is a simple way to reduce what information can be gleaned about your online activities.

Do Not Use Auto-Complete – Auto-complete learns to complete words that you type repeatedly. It also can take some of the guesswork out of attacking your data.

DIGIGUARD Cyber Security Knows How To Protect Your Network and Devices From Hackers

DIGIGUARD, specializing in preventing cyber threats, has a wide array of solutions to protect against cybercrimes and ensure you have the best possible protection. It works with small and midsized businesses to establish cyber security best practices to ensure their confidential data is secure and that all your devices have the specific protections they require, especially those used for remote-access work. For any business, cyberattacks can have devastating consequences. DIGIGUARD can assess your cyber risks and work with you to design the best protection solutions for your business.

Call DIGIGUARD CYBER SECURITY at 833-33-CYBER (833-332-9237) and visit www.DIGIGUARDsecurity.com to discuss how you can increase your company’s level of cyber security and avoid a deadly cyberattack.