Improve Internet Security with 10 Easy Tips

Internet security can be tough to pin down. Here are 10 easy tips you can follow to improve your business’ internet security. Having protection that combats incoming threats and shields outgoing data provides a solid barrier of protection around your network.

1. Use a password manager – Password managers are your first line of defense against an external attack. It provides strong encryption and authentication features. It will securely store all passwords and allow multiple users to use the same accounts. Installing a password manager is an essential element if your employees are remote.
2. Enable multi-factor authentication – Allows for two or more layers of authenticating users on a company network with a knowledge factor, a possession factor, or an inherence factor. These can include a PIN, specific personal information, VPN client, mobile authentication, USB hardware token, fingerprint scan, voice authentication, facial recognition, and more.
3. Install spam Filtering software – Spam filters will detect and stop unsolicited, unwanted virus-infected emails from getting through to employees’ inboxes. They do this by evaluating incoming emails using a blacklist that denies specific email addresses, a greylist that requires the sending server to resend the email a second time, or a whitelist that allows specific email addresses to pass through.
4. Train employees – Training employees is vital in making sure that your network is secure. Phishing is one of the main threats against small businesses, and cyber criminals use it to target unsuspecting employees. Keeping employees updated and informed of current phishing scams and how to identify them will help keep your network protected.
5. Dark web research – The dark web (link to dark web post) is filled with illegal activity, including selling usernames, passwords, stolen credit card numbers, customer data, corporate intellectual property, and trade secrets. There’s little you can do if your company information ends up on the dark web, but at least you’ll know that your network has been compromised and can take action. It’s dangerous for small businesses to search the dark web on their own, so it’s best to partner with a qualified managed IT services provider.
6. Install patch updates – Updating your operational software with patches keep your network secure. Software companies release patch updates to help fix security holes, repair, or add functionality. Installing a patch should be done as soon as it’s released and not put off until later.
7. Encrypt company data – Using an encryption solution will encode all data on a device. If a hacker accesses your company data and you have it encrypted, the data will not be readable without a key to decode it.
8. Obtain SSL Certificates – SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer and keeps an internet connection secure and safeguards sensitive data that’s sent between two systems. An SSL certificate turns an HTTP into an HTTPS which means it’s secure.
9. Backup Data – Cyber attacks typically lead to significant data loss for businesses. Backing up your data can save you a lot of money if you’re ever the victim of ransomware and significantly improve your chances of recovery after an attack.
10. Partner with a Managed IT Services provider – as the digital landscape becomes more complex, finding the right managed IT provider (link to post) is essential. They will help migrate you through the necessary requirements to make sure your systems and data are protected.

Visual Edge specializes in managed IT services and security, cloud computing, and print/copy solutions for businesses across the U.S., including remote offices. The company has more than 20-years of technology service with a national network of expert engineers. Request your no-obligation assessment today and get a free dark web analysis.