Organizations that don’t recognize digital security risks are doomed to suffer from them. That’s exactly why it’s essential to be proactive in the face of these dangers. Here are five of the most pressing threats to business security out there.
1. Phishing scams
Phishing occurs when malicious parties pretend to be someone they’re not in order to solicit information. Unfortunately, these types of scams cost American businesses over half a billion dollars every year. In fact, Wikileaks was able to hack politicians’ networks during the 2016 election through this process.
If there’s one must-have cybersecurity tip you should utilize within your organization, it’s to focus on employee training. Phishing scams occur because cybercriminals are able to trick an organization’s workers into believing they’re someone else.
By training employees to recognize these scams, the likelihood of such a breach occurring diminishes significantly. This should be a data security priority from Day 1.
2. Employee data security breaches
Unfortunately, employees being tricked by “phishers” isn’t the only danger they present to their organizations. In fact, one study found that 20 percent of people would be more likely to steal data and pass it on to competitors after being fired from a company. This along with employee negligence create the largest cybersecurity risk for American businesses.
You must, therefore, battle employee-linked breaches on two fronts. Proper training, for instance, can help prevent negligent breaches. If a worker knows a virtual machine is useless after being stolen or that taking data offsite is grounds for dismissal, they’re less likely to take unnecessary risks.
Potentially rogue workers are more difficult to stop, but it is possible. By utilizing clear data policies, enforcing strict employee agreements and monitoring employee access, organizations can cut down on malicious in-house data security breaches.
3. Natural disasters
Okay, this one isn’t totally digital. But it still has digital implications.
If it seems that natural disasters are occurring with more frequency, you can rest assured that your assumptions are correct. Wildfires, earthquakes, severe storms and even terrorist attacks are real data security threats that far too many companies have to face. Fortunately, you can prepare for the unexpected.
The first step in surviving a potential catastrophe is having appropriate disaster recovery systems in place. This means focusing on offsite redundancy and having disaster response plans ready to be utilized. You’ll also want to make sure to properly dispose of any electronics that may have been damaged. This will ensure no one gains access to your data after the fact.
4. Ransomware
If your computer has ever gotten a virus that says it can only be removed with the purchase of a specific tool, you’ve been a victim of ransomware. More experienced hackers can block access to your entire network until ransom money has been paid. Unfortunately, these attacks spiked in 2017.
Once again, proper employee training can go a long way in preventing this sort of breach. When it comes down to it, though, only good IT work and powerful antivirus programs can keep ransomware away from your organization. Rest assured that the investment is much cheaper than having your data security threatened.
5. Cloud storage applications
The advent of cloud computing has revolutionized both the business and consumer worlds. Unfortunately, it also opened the door for cybercriminals to gain easier access to your data. Luckily, you don’t have to avoid using these apps to ensure data security.
The first step in safe cloud computing is choosing a reputable IT company to handle your storage and network. With dual factor authentication and other security tools these companies utilize, your organization can take advantage of all the cloud’s benefits without risking your company’s or customers’ data.
Data security is not optional
Americans lose billions of dollars every year thanks to data security mishaps. Whether it’s run-of-the-mill negligence or malicious attackers, the outcome is always detrimental. By utilizing proper security protocols along with in-depth training and a professional IT team, though, you can reduce your organization’s risk of a data disaster.
