Cybersecurity is no longer an imminent threat in 2021. In fact, over the past few years, it has grown into more of a clear and present danger for most companies, both big and small. Every data you look at or a research paper you pick up all point to the same thing- how cyberattacks are growing.
As a business, the last thing you would want is to be under attack from a cybercriminal and getting your customer data and financial records being sold on the darknet.
Businesses are quickly waking up to this danger that has the potential to completely shut them down. Complicated forms of attacks are slowly becoming more common and it is high time, businesses raise their defenses.
Cybersecurity Concerns in 2021: What is at stake here?
The first and most important thing that businesses need to be aware of is that cyberattacks happen to everyone. Criminals do not see the size or scale of the corporation. Smaller businesses with lesser security protocols in place are at as much risk as bigger organizations with billions in market value.
A single malware or ransomware attack has the potential to
- Release all the financial and personal details of all your customers.
- Empty your financial accounts by gaining access to passwords and protection keys.
- Sell Trade Secrets to your competitors thereby making your business vulnerable.
- Invite Regulators to your doorsteps for failing to ensure adequate security protocols.
- Lead to cancellation of licenses, loss of customers, fines, and ultimate closure.
In 2021, there is a reason why cybersecurity has emerged as a top consideration for businesses. It is no longer something that should be looked at if finances permit.
List of 5 Ways Businesses can Improve Cybersecurity Measures in 2021
1. Use Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
A public key infrastructure is a digital encryption security measure that works by allotting public and private keys to run processes and communications within an organization. PKI also involves the issuing of digital certificates to certify authenticity and ownership. It has emerged as one of the strongest and sought-after cybersecurity measures in the last few years.
2. Controlling Wireless Networks
Most cybersecurity experts are of the opinion that cybercriminals usually target weak wireless networks when it comes to engineering attacks. They point out that employees should ensure that they are always using a secure and protected firewall connection every time for official logins. Avoiding public Wi-Fi networks is also suggested at all costs.
3. Password Protection and Regular Changes
One of the simplest and most effective measures to prevent cybersecurity attacks is to use solid and secure password protection software. Investing in a two-factor authentication set up for your password can go a long way in creating secure systems. It is also important that company passwords are changed at periodic intervals to be effective.
4. Training your Employees in Cybersecurity
According to data, more than 50% of all cybersecurity breaches take place because of internal errors. Most cybersecurity experts feel that organizations should train their employees in different areas of cybersecurity. From not using unsecured internet connections to handing over their systems to outsiders, employees need to be trained in everything from basic to advanced.
5. Limiting Access and Creating Backups
Everyone in your organization should not have the same level of security clearance to view company files, projects, and official documents. It is important that different teams have access to only projects they are working on and not on all kinds of data. It is also important that the management knows exactly who has access and who does not. This should be monitored.
Conclusion
Taking cybersecurity should be a top priority for businesses going forward into 2021. With cybercriminals innovating on advanced attacks, it is necessary that businesses at least fulfill the basic necessities of having security infrastructure in place. Can you list some other measures that businesses can use to ramp up their cybersecurity in 2021? Drop your answers in the comments below.
