Technology affects almost every aspect of our modern lives. It keeps us connected, helps us run and manage our businesses, enables us to learn and share information, and so much more. But it can also leave our businesses and sensitive data vulnerable to hackers. That’s why cybersecurity, and partnering with a leader in this field, is so crucial for the safety and success of your business.
We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions we get around cybersecurity to help increase awareness around this pervasive problem.
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized or criminal use. It is the practice of ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of personal and sensitive data from cyber criminals.
Today, everything – from communication, business, and entertainment to transportation, healthcare, and shopping – relies on computers and the internet. Keeping your information safe is at the heart of cybersecurity.
How do I ensure my data is secure?
In addition to partnering with a company like Grapevine MSP that specializes in cybersecurity, data backup, and recovery, there are some things you can do to help protect your data, such as:
- Be wary of unknown links
- Change your passwords
- Use a password manager
- Implement multi-factor authentication
- Don’t use debit cards online
- Don’t save payment information online
- Update your systems
- Avoid unknown sites
- Install anti-virus software
- Avoid unnecessary downloads
How can I prevent a cyber attack?
Some of the best ways to prevent cyber attacks include:
- Developing cyber security policies
- Implementing security awareness training
- Installing spam filters and anti-malware software
- Deploying Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW)
- Installing endpoint detection & response (EDR)
These tactics should deter common attacks but you will need a more comprehensive approach to protect your organization from advanced cyber attacks.
Partnering with Grapevine MSP ensures you have a team of information security engineers ready to implement custom software solutions and perform advanced testing to keep your organization secure.
What businesses are most at risk for a cyber attack?
You may think that big businesses with more endpoints are more vulnerable to attacks than small businesses. However, small and midsize businesses, without dedicated IT departments or cybersecurity protocols, are easy targets for cyber criminals. Regardless of the size of your organization, it is critical to protect personal, financial, and sensitive data.
What are the most common types of cyber threats?
Cyber threats come in many forms and are always changing but some common ones to look out for include:
- Malware
- Ransomware
- Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks
- Spam and phishing
- Corporate Account Takeover (CATO)
- Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cash out
What is malware?
Malware, also known as malicious code or malicious software, is a program designed to compromise the confidentiality or integrity of data. Malware can affect your data, applications, or operating system as has become one of the most significant external threats to organizations.
Spyware, a type of malware intended to violate privacy, track personal activities, and conduct financial fraud, has been used for many years but has recently become more common and poses a major threat to organizations.
What is ransomware?
Ransomware prevents users from accessing their system, via malware, and then demands a ransom payment to regain access to your system or data. Ransoms are paid using online methods and usually include virtual currencies such as bitcoins. Ransomware is one of the most widely used forms of cyber attacks.
Ransomware infiltrates computer networks and encrypts files with a key that remains on the cyber criminal’s server where they essentially hold your data hostage. It is particularly dangerous because ransomware is difficult to detect before your system has been compromised.
What can I do to stay safe?
Working with Grapevine MSP, California’s Central Valley’s leading IT service for security-minded and forward-thinking businesses is your best bet to stay cyber-safe. If security concerns are stunting your business’s growth and keeping you awake at night, we have the tools that can revitalize your team with the productivity and security you need to help keep you safe from cyber attacks.
Contact us at 661-369-8427 or send us a message online. Let’s put technology back in your driver’s seat so that your business can compete, grow, and stay safe from cybercriminals.
