Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a team of 50, or a Fortune 500 company – you’re going to need to ensure that your organization is following some best practices to keep your data safe! We recommend the following Digital Security Basics as the beginning building blocks of what should eventually grow into a comprehensive System Security Plan. If you aren’t sure how to implement these, don’t know where to start, or simply have better things to do you with your time and leadership than sweat over digital security, we’d highly recommend you Contact Us to inquire about 3rd Party IT solutions!
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Each Account
- Never reuse passwords across multiple accounts. If one account is compromised, reused passwords can give attackers access to other accounts.
- Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, ideally at least 12 characters long.
- Consider a password manager to securely store and generate unique passwords.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Use MFA wherever possible, especially for financial, email, and cloud accounts.
- MFA adds an extra layer of security, typically requiring a code from your phone or email in addition to your password.
3. Be Cautious with Links and Attachments in Emails
- Familiarize yourself and your employees with our Guide for Reviewing Suspicious Emails.
- Don’t click links or download attachments from unknown or unexpected senders.
- Verify URLs before clicking by hovering over the link or, better yet, manually typing the URL into your browser.
- Phishing emails often try to mimic legitimate companies; always double-check sender details.
4. Regularly Update Software and Devices
- Keep operating systems, apps, and security software up-to-date. Updates often patch known vulnerabilities.
- Automate updates if possible, or set reminders to check regularly for patches and new versions.
5. Limit Access Based on Roles
- Only provide employees access to systems and data they need to perform their job.
- Use user accounts with restricted permissions rather than full administrative rights for daily work.
6. Backup Data Regularly
- Set up regular, automated backups for critical data to an offsite location or secure cloud storage.
- Test backups periodically to ensure they work and that you can restore your data quickly in case of an emergency.
7. Educate Employees About Cybersecurity
- Run basic cybersecurity training that covers phishing, social engineering, and secure data handling.
- Encourage employees to report any suspicious emails or security issues.
8. Use Antivirus and Firewall Protections
- Ensure all devices have updated antivirus software to detect and block malware.
- Use a firewall on all networks to add an extra layer of defense against unauthorized access.
9. Monitor Account Activity for Suspicious Behavior
- Regularly review account and network logs for any unusual login attempts or activity.
- Set up alerts for suspicious activity where possible.
10. Have an Incident Response Plan
- Plan for how you’ll respond to a cybersecurity incident, including steps to contain, investigate, and recover from an attack.
- Designate a point of contact and involve relevant third-party support (e.g., IT consultants, legal advisors).