Given society’s transition into using technology-based products that are typically run through an internet connection, cybercriminals have been able to come up with a number of ways in which they can hack into important information. As a result of this, cybersecurity is a hot topic in the business world. It can have a devastating impact on individuals, too. 

With more and more of us working from home and therefore relying on online communication more than ever before, online security has come into greater public focus as a result. Coinciding with the rise in online usage has come a growth in the number of cyberattacks in Ireland and around the world. It can happen to anyone, too. 

Of course, some activities are safer than others, and some types of websites are ultra-secure. The security at licensed sites in Ireland where you can play casino slots is noted for its robustness due to the types of encryption methods online casinos use. 

But when it comes to unsecured activity, like email, we can be left stunned by a momentary lapse, only to accidentally download some malicious malware without realising it. Likewise, in the business world, both large and small businesses are being targeted on an alarmingly regular basis. In America, for example, the U.S. Congressional Small Business Committee found that 71% of cyber-attacks happened to companies with less than 100 employees. 

Small businesses are seemingly more at risk of a cyberattack, with online criminals targeting them more frequently. While larger businesses have more data to take, they tend to have harder networks to breach and essentially more security in place. Although these types of measures cost money, there are some simple methods businesses can employ to make a cyberattack far less likely. 

Make sure your business uses a firewall 

One of the first lines of defence hackers tend to have to breach is a firewall. A firewall essentially provides a barrier between a business’s data and any cybercriminals that are aiming to obtain it. External firewalls are recommended in particular, although some businesses are also installing internal firewalls in an attempt to add an additional layer of security. Ultimately, both options do the job. 

Regularly back up all data 

No matter how many precautions a business takes, sometimes the hackers are just one step ahead and perhaps use a method of attack that hasn’t been seen before. After all, hackers are finding new and improved ways to compromise systems all the time. In order to minimise any damage should your business be hacked, back up anything important, from electronic spreadsheets, databases and financial files, to human resources files, word documents and files relating to accounting. Make sure all data that is stored on the cloud is backed up, too. 

Make all employees aware of all cybersecurity policies

One main mistake that businesses always make when it comes to online security is not informing employees on the various risks and dangers certain internet-based activities carry. Consider online training courses in this area, checklists, and specific information that is communicated with all employees, so everyone is on the same page and taking the same type of measures. 

Enforce safe password practices 

One of the most common ways in which businesses and individuals fall victim to cybercrime is by having a weak password associated with hugely important accounts. As a result of this, it’s essential that all employees use strong passwords, perhaps by utilising a password manager. All devices accessing the company network need to be password protected, too. A tip for coming up with a tough-to-crack password is to add upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. 

Other measures businesses are taking include installing anti-malware software, using multi-factor identification, educating employees using mobile phone and wearable devices, and always keeping up to date with the latest methods hackers use.