How to Keep Your Business' Data Safe and Secure
November 3rd, 2021 by Van Ausdall & Farrar
Data breaches, especially for small- to midsize companies, continue to be a major threat, as cybercriminals have become more sophisticated in their methods. Most data attacks come out of nowhere and often target companies with sub-par security solutions in place, or even none at all.
Although data breaches have spiked in recent years, companies can better protect themselves from such attacks by safeguarding their networks and educating their employees. Although some of the biggest data branches come from outside entities, many are caused by internal sources such as employees accidentally downloading malicious software or losing company computers or mobile devices, which can compromise a company’s data if they fall into the wrong hands.
At Van Ausdall & Farrar, we care about the security of our customers and can implement a number of solutions to better safeguard your business against such cyberattacks. In our most recent blog, the professionals at VAF discuss some tips to better protect your company and its critical data.
Tips to Keep Company Data Secure
-
CREATE BETTER PASSWORDS
Hackers have various tools to acquire passwords, so it’s important to safeguard passwords to avoid cybercriminals from obtaining them. Some tips include:
- Changing passwords frequently
- Never sharing them
- Making them difficult to guess but not so difficult they need to be written down to remember them
- Avoid using part of your name or ID in the password
- Make them at least seven characters long and use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols
-
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR PHISHING SCHEMES
Phishing emails are often sent by a source pretending to be someone or a company you know and trust. The goal of a phishing email is to gain control of your computer or target your identity or financial information. They typically come with links or attachments they want you to click on. If the email looks suspicious, delete it immediately. In many cases, you may recognize the name of the company or person, but the email address isn’t right. There also might be misspellings and the wording might appear off.
-
PROTECT AGAINST RANSOMWARE
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that is injected into a network or device that blocks or restricts access to a computer until a ransom is paid to unlock it. The best way to avoid a malware attack is by installing and updating security software and using a firewall. It’s also important to back up all your data regularly to ensure you still have access to it.
-
INSTALL ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE
To avoid the aforementioned attacks, ensure your company has top-of-the-line antivirus software installed to prevent, detect and remove malware. Antivirus software provides real-time protection against cyberattacks.
-
EDUCATE EMPLOYEES ABOUT CYBERSECURITY
Schedule periodic meetings with employees to discuss the importance of protecting sensitive data. This can include discussing the importance of creating strong passwords and updating them frequently, avoiding clicking on suspicious links or emails and protecting data when they’re traveling or working in public. Also, encourage employees to lock up their computers when they leave their work area.
DATA SECURITY SOLUTIONS FROM VAF
Van Ausdall & Farrar has a full line of business data security solutions for businesses of all sizes, including:
- Device Encryption
- Crypto Security
- Security Awareness Training
- Hardware Destruction
- Data Loss Prevention
- Web Control
- Malicious Traffic Detection
- VPN
- Multi-factor Authentication
- Backup and Disaster Recovery
- Intrusion Detection
CONTACT VAN AUSDALL & FARRAR FOR DATA SECURITY SOLUTIONS
Van Ausdall & Farrar has been at the forefront of technology innovation and security solutions since it was founded in 1914 as a distributor for the Thomas Edison Company. Through hard work and dedication to our customers, we’ve become one of the most trusted full-service business technology solutions providers in Central Indiana and across the Midwest. Contact us today to see how we can help your company protect data and your networks.
Posted in: Insights from VAF Blog, Data Security & Compliance Solutions, Cybersecurity
