Since 2003, October has been nationally recognized as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance. As such, it seems like the perfect time for businesses to review their cybersecurity measures and ensure they have best practices in place. To help, SBS Payroll HR has provided some tips to better protect your business from cybersecurity issues.
Do Your Part
“Do your part” is part of this year’s theme. To help play your part in developing proper cybersecurity measures:
- Develop cybersecurity policies. The best way to promote cybersecurity is implementing a formal policy in your employee handbook, as well as communicate any changes, updates, or relevant information to employees on a regular basis. Your cybersecurity policies should address personal devices, email and internet communication, acceptable use regulations, remote work, and cyber response plan.
- Invest in the resources and tools. Spam filters, firewalls, anti-virus and malware programs are “smart software” that should be installed on all company devices, including mobile, laptops, and tablets. To protect the company network, a virtual private network should be used and maintained at all times.
- Control accessibility. Limit the number of individuals given access to sensitive data. This should be only trusted, qualified individuals and permitted only when necessary or requested from designated authorities. Additionally, ensure employees follow password requirements and maintenance on a regular basis to safeguard potential loopholes in your cybersecurity.
#BeCyberSmart
“#BeCyberSmart” is the other half of this year’s theme. Be proactive in your cybersecurity strategies by implementing cybersecurity best practices.
- Train employees. Did you know that 95% of cyber-attacks are from human error?[1] Train your employees on cybersecurity threat awareness and how to prevent them.
- Expand a business continuity plan. Part of your business continuity plan should include backing up your data. Consider secure locations, such as the cloud, to store critical, irreplaceable or hard-to-replicate data should a cyber-attack or other cyber malfunction occur.
- Establish a strategy. Preparing for cybercrime involves developing a cyber response plan to help reduce losses from a cyber-attack. Your cyber response plan should be frequently tested and modified to adapt to new cybercrimes, attacks, and other cybersecurity trends.
Whether you’re looking for robust technology you can rely on or IT professionals you trust to provide prompt, effective cybersecurity solutions, contact SBS Payroll HR. Our team of PEO specialists are in the know about relevant cybersecurity, technology, and business trends to safeguard your business and employees from data breaches or other crises.
Source:
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2020 Infographic
[1] IBM
