As cyberattacks continue to evolve, it’s essential to stay vigilant and educate yourself and your organization about the latest tactics used by cybercriminals to protect your online security. Here are ten ways to protect against cyberattacks:
1. Be Cautious
Verify the legitimacy of any unknown calls, emails, or text messages. Be particularly suspicious of messages that request sensitive information or urgent actions.
2. Verify the Sender
Ensure the sender’s email address or phone number matches the official contact information of the organization they claim to represent. Contact the organization through their official website or customer service number rather than using the contact information provided in the message.
3. Preview Links Before Clicking
Before clicking on a link in an email, hover your mouse pointer over it to preview the URL to ensure it matches the legitimate website’s domain.
4. Don’t Open Suspicious or Unknown Attachments
Never open or download an attachment in a suspicious email.
5. Use Strong, Unique Company Passwords
Avoid using the same passwords across multiple accounts and consider using a password manager.
6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Whenever possible, enable 2FA on your online accounts for an added layer of security. 2FA is a security process in which users provide two different authentication factors to verify themselves.
7. Don’t Share Personal Information
Never share sensitive information over the phone unless you have initiated the call and are certain of the recipient’s identity.
8. Use Call Blocking
Consider using call-blocking or caller ID apps to filter out suspicious or spam calls.
9. Educate Your Staff on Cyberattacks
Stay informed about common cyberattack tactics and be aware of the latest scams. Awareness is one of the most effective defenses against attacks.
10. Report Suspected Activity
If you receive a suspicious message or phone call, report it to your mobile carrier and any relevant authorities or organizations. They can take action to investigate and potentially prevent further attacks.
The Federal Trade Commission also has helpful information on how to recognize and avoid cyber scams, including real world examples of phishing emails.
Protecting against cybersecurity attacks like phishing, smishing, and vishing is vital for any business in this digital age. Because businesses hold sensitive customer and employee information, financial records, and proprietary data, this makes them prime targets for cybercriminals. Falling victim to these attacks can result in not only immediate financial harm, but also long-term damage to trust and credibility.
Guarding against attacks through cybersecurity measures, employee training, and proactive threat detection not only safeguards sensitive information, but also preserves a company’s reputation and ensures business continuity in an increasingly interconnected and vulnerable cybersecurity landscape.
To invest in the future of your company, invest in a cybersecurity strategy.
