Protecting Your Business From Cybercrime: Six Tips To Get Started

Anita Ginsburg

December 07, 2015

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Financial institutions are one of the largest targets, but cybercrime affects businesses in all sectors and markets. If you're concerned about the potential for cybercrime against your business, there are steps you can take to protect your assets.

Use Creative Passwords

You want your passwords to be something no one could guess. For example, you definitely don't want to use phrases such as 'password' or 'enter’ on work computers. Set your passwords to something that is at least eight characters long and incorporates numbers and letters together. Don't use the same password for multiple systems, either.

Don't Open Weird Unknown Attachments

Spybots, viruses and Trojans can all be transmitted by opening unknown email attachments. Train your employees not to open anything suspicious, as it's just not worth the risks involved. Double-check the email account name, not just the subject name, before you open attachments.

Install and Maintain Security Software

A standard security software suite should include safeguards against viruses, spyware, keyloggers, Trojans, worms and phishing. It should also include the capability to back up and restore your systems to a previous point in time, just in case something nefarious intrudes upon your system and you need to 'roll back' your computer.

Get a Trained Professional

Depending on your business' size and needs, you may want to consider hiring a person well-versed in IT and who has a master’s degree in information security. Top-notch universities are graduating security experts that are aware of all the latest scams and tricks. Getting an expert to keep your company safe will save you money and buy you peace of mind.

Have a Plan in Place

If your business were victimized tomorrow, you should know exactly what to do about it. Your employees should also be aware of what to do if they notice strange programs running or computer 'malfunctions' that may be caused by cybercrime. Take the time to formulate a worst-case-scenario plan just in case your computer system is compromised.

Restrict Access

When an employee is terminated, leaves for another job or goes on extended leave, lock down their access. You want to know who can get into your system and delete profiles for employees that will not be returning. This will help you keep control over access to the computers and protect you from crime.

Cybercrime is a booming industry that costs businesses a lot of money. By following these tips, you can protect your business by keeping strict control over your computer systems.