As discussed in Part 1, the internet provides increased business opportunities. Unfortunately, online commerce can also deliver security issues and scams. It only takes one successful cyber attack to greatly harm your organization, resulting in financial losses and loss of reputation. Part 2 will cover Encryption, Passwords, and Education.

Encryption

Ensure that your company’s business data is encrypted when it is stored or transmitted online, so only authorized users have access. Encryption converts data into a secret code before it is sent via the internet. This process decreases the chances of sensitive information being stolen, tampered with, or destroyed. In addition, an organization should ensure that its network encryption is activated.

Passwords

All default passwords should be replaced, and administrators should disable administrative access to prevent a cyber criminal from gaining access to your company’s computers and network.

Default passwords should be changed to ones that are very difficult to guess. This is because a hacker would be able to acquire full access through an administrator level account.

Passwords should be changed yearly. In addition, an organization should not use the same password for multiple points of access. If the password is compromised, the cyber criminal would have access to several accounts. To ease the process, use a password manager that can generate and store passwords in a secure manner.

Education

Management should keep up-to-date regarding cyber crime. Training staff regularly regarding these threats to company data is also crucial. They should also be made aware of policies regarding their computer and network access usage.

As previously discussed, employees should keep passwords secure. They should also have an understanding regarding fraudulent emails and other suspicious online activity that should be reported.

Instituting a social media policy that promotes security is also highly important. It will include the kinds of business information that employees are permitted to share online. Staff should also be trained regarding how social engineering can be used by cyber criminals to gain their trust in order to gain access to the company’s sensitive data.

Alpha Engineering Business Support

Choosing an expert computer technology-support provider is an important decision for your business. Alpha Engineering Associates has been a trusted partner of many companies in the Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis areas since 1990. For affordable client-focused network consulting services and solutions, please call Alpha Engineering Associates today at (410) 295-9500.