It’s the catchy new phrase from the federal agency known as CISA. CISA is the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and October is cybersecurity awareness month. The theme for the month encourages individuals and businesses alike to practice safe cybersecurity habits by protecting their data and information as well as proactively taking steps to mitigate their risks continually.
If you were unaware of what Cybersecurity is, here is a definition for you. According to cisa.gov, Cybersecurity is the protection of online and offline networks, devices, and the data that flows to and from these channels from those who are unauthorized to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of all information.
In simpler terms, cyber security experts monitor a company’s information systems to guard against computer security breaches instigated by hackers or other nefarious sources… In other words, it is the act of protecting all information and data on the internet.
Everything and anything that connects to the internet, such as smartphones, tablets, social media, navigation systems, medical records, and much more, are all intertwined and can be at risk. Using items that connect to the internet is how you become at risk for cyber attacks.
We have all heard in the news or, more often than not, been impacted by an organization that has suffered a data breach. The valuable customer information that is leaked or stolen seems to be a common occurrence and is always at the expense of the customers and the company.
So how does Cybersecurity or the lack thereof impact your small business? Not knowing or understanding how can seriously harm your business. You or your business can easily become under attack through malware or hacking.
Malware is a term used to describe any type of software that is purposely designed to cause damage to networks, servers, or computer systems. It can also be known as malicious code. This type of software can infect your servers and networks by using viruses, worms, and trojan horses, all of which are designed to ultimately destroy your computer.
Hacking is also another type of way to invade your computer and network systems. A hack is done by a person trying to gain access to your computer systems to exploit all the weaknesses. A hacker can steal your precious information in order to use it for their own personal gain.
Both hacking and malware are intentional and can impact your personal and professional life, and you must remain proactive and vigilant to always secure your data. It can cost you not only thousands of dollars and time to repair but can also cost you your reputation.
Can you put a price on your good name? The damage that can be done can sometimes be irreparable and long-lasting. That’s why it is so important to be proactive and not reactive, should you or your organization come under assault.
You can prevent attacks by making it harder for hackers and malware to infect your systems. There are ways to get ahead and mitigate any potential cybersecurity risks. The sooner you find and address any gaps in your coverage, the better off your small business will be in the long run.
Investing in the right security software and staying up to date with any patches to ensure you don’t have any vulnerabilities is a great start to building up a strong protection system. Ensuring you have antivirus software and that it is current will be a major key in detecting foreign and malicious software quicker. The sooner your antivirus software can detect threats, the sooner you can address the problems.
Another item to have installed is firewalls. Firewalls help to prevent malicious software before it enters your computer. Some systems come with firewalls already installed, but it is best to check to ensure you have the right coverage and that the firewall is working correctly.
You can take more commonly known steps to shore up your cybersecurity efforts to enact MFA or multi-factor authentication. This requires any user to validate their identity before accessing any information by using two types of authentication.
Using stronger or more intricate passwords is another way to strengthen your online security. Simple passwords that include parts of your identity such as your name, address, pet’s names, or DOB can easily be hacked and should not be used. There are a number of password managers that can securely store your passwords if you have trouble remembering them. Changing your passwords often also goes hand in hand with ensuring your passwords are strong and secure. Adding in special characters will also add a good level of difficulty and make it harder to hack.
All in all, there are plenty of steps you can take to protect your data and the data of your customers and keep it out of the reach of hackers. Remaining aware, up-to-date, and proactive on potential security gaps is what will help your business fight attacks and reduce your financial losses.
Impressing the importance of proper cybersecurity practices to your team will go a long way in preventing attacks. If everyone does their part, we can all use the internet and remain safe. No one is immune to cyber-attacks, and the more you prepare and plan, you will be a less likely target.
Any efforts that you can take to make yourself or your business a more challenging target to breaches and attacks will make a difference.
Happy Cybersecurity Awareness month, and remember to stay vigilant and remain proactive to protect your business and your customers. Accolade Accounting, a full-service accounting and advisory firm in Decatur, GA serving Atlanta and nearby areas. We specialize in accounting, business taxation, tax planning, and advising. A team of business tax advisors at Accolade Accounting takes a holistic approach to tax preparation and provides specialized tax planning and advising to clients. Contact us for a free consultation
