Shared with permission, below are the Top 5 Tips our IT providers Skypoint list with regards to making sure you have some cyber security measures in place.
1. Endpoint Protection (Antivirus and Antiransomware)
Every workstation including laptops and desktops should have endpoint protection installed and kept up to date.
2. Strong Passwords and 2-Factor Authentication
Long, complex passwords with a combination of letters, numbers and symbols are ideal. These passwords should be unique for each service. In order to make the management of these passwords easy, we recommend using a password manager. A password manager securely stores all of your unique passwords and you just need to remember the 'master password'.
2-factor authentication should be implemented for all key applications including email (Microsoft 365), accounting (Xero, MYOB etc) and CRM. Securing Remote Desktop Services and VPN connections with 2-factor authentication is recommended. If a password becomes compromised, 2-factor authentication acts as an extra identity check and verification.
3. Backups
Multiple onsite and offsite backup systems which are regularly tested and verified. With a good robust backup system in place, information can be recovered from multiple locations if the primary source is ever compromised. SkyPoint recommend cloud-hosted (offsite) backups for all key systems. This protects against attacks and also events, such as building fires, floods and physical theft.
4. Security Awareness Training
The most common method attackers use is 'social engineering'. This is when an attacker tricks someone into handing over sensitive access or information by posing as a trusted third party.
Security awareness training can be run with your team to educate them on common threats and methods. This includes running a 'fake phishing' email campaign to test your team's ability to identify threats. A report will be made available to highlight any staff that could benefit from extra cyber security training. The staff can then work through automated online training modules and tests to educate themselves on the risks.
5. Security Updates
All commonly used software should be updated regularly so that the latest security patches are implemented. This includes updates for the Windows operating system, Antivirus products and any other business applications. SkyPoint recommend automating the update processes for servers and workstations.
Contact our team today to discuss your Cyber Security insurance options.
