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There are few things as important to a business today as cyber security. Modern businesses keep all of their business operations digitally: a single compromise can cause a business to come grinding to a halt. Yet with so many potential attack vectors and an ever-growing attack surface, it can be difficult to know where to start when reducing your cyber risk.

Here’s an easy-to-follow guide for your most important priorities.

1. Begin with Cyber Security Training

Employees need to be trained not only on methods of securing their data, but also why it’s so important. Employees are more likely to take security seriously if they understand the consequences of compromise. Make sure that the consequences of not maintaining proper security is outlined in the employee manual, to create a sense of accountability.

2. Simulate Phishing and Other Scenarios

Phishing and social engineering attempts are difficult to control through the use of technology alone. Employees need to be trained to recognize these attempts and to sidestep them, though even the best employee can occasionally make a mistake or fall for a very convincing social engineering attempt.

3. Invest in a Password Management Utility (and Single Sign-On)

A password management utility encourages better password hygiene, improving the complexity of the passwords that employees use. A single sign-on authentication service will also make it easier for employees to remember and protect their passwords, as there will be only a single thing they need to remember.

4. Conduct Network Vulnerability Assessments and Audits

Regular vulnerability assessments and audits will give you key insights into where your software and training strategies are failing. Security must be constantly improving and evolving in order to be safe.

5. Implement a SIEM

A security information and event management system will create a dashboard solution that you can immediately consult to see whether something is wrong. A SIEM will report on processes and applications that are operating incorrectly, allowing an IT department to effectively deploy.

6. Use Enterprise Endpoint Protection (with AI)

Smartphones and IoT devices are quickly multiplying endpoints. An artificially intelligent endpoint protection suite can help secure these devices, while still letting employees leverage them for better productivity.

7. Consider Firewall Protection with Advanced Gateway Services

Firewall protection creates perimeter security, which is a very important aspect to any secured system. While some malicious attackers may still get through the gate, firewall protection can control incoming and outgoing access. Advanced gateway services can be tailored to protect even the most custom and complex of networks.

8. Encrypt and Protect Email

Email remains one of the most targeted vectors for malware and viruses. And if a single email account is compromised, it could mean the compromise of a tremendous amount of data. Encrypting and protecting email through an email security solution will help protect any personally identifiable information. New artificially intelligent email platforms can even identify many hallmarks of phishing attempts.

With the above steps, you should be able to protect your business from many of the most common attacks. Still, you’ll need to remain vigilant and continue to update your business processes as new threats arise.

Marco Liquori

Marco is the owner and founder of NetLogix, Inc. a Managed IT Security Services firm that has been helping small businesses by providing an innovative and unique blend of managed IT services throughout New England with expertise in Insurance, Legal, Medical & Professional Services. Learn more about Marco and NetLogix here.