Cybercrime is on the rise, and businesses of all sizes need to ensure proper
cybersecurity measures are in place. Crime can include identity theft, phishing scams,
compromised email systems, and other malicious activity, like the introduction of
viruses. If you’re hit by any type of breach, your company’s assets and your proprietary
information are at risk, which means fast action is required. Webcheck Security can be
your secret weapon in the ongoing fight against cybercrime.
What Is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime is any type of attack that infiltrates your network and allows criminals to steal your data or hold your system hostage via ransomware. It can also include the introduction of bugs and malware, or it can be designed to misdirect site visitors to other
nefarious sites. Criminals can attempt to access things like financial account numbers, social security numbers, and even internal communication and files. Cybercriminals have become so sophisticated, you might not even know your system has been infiltrated right away, which could mean long-term damage.
Internal Protective Measures
Losing your data or exposing your clients’ personal information or financial records can
have a disastrous impact on your business. In addition to devastating your reputation,
you could face litigation, loss of revenue, and even loss of your business. According to
the Federal Communications Commission, training employees on security principles is a
key first step(1). This should include enacting password policies and developing best
practices around how data is collected and stored, and how employees use their
laptops and mobile devices. It’s also wise to control who has access to your computers.
Professional Preventative Measures
While some companies can manage security themselves or with the help of a cybersecurity staffer, other operations can benefit from hiring a cybersecurity firm on a consulting or contractual basis. These skilled professionals can check your systems for weaknesses, make recommendations about appropriate security measures, and teach you and your staff safe cyber practices(see FISO). According to Zenbusiness, they can also ensure the protection of Wi-Fi networks, provide a firewall for your internet connection, as well as install anti-virus and anti-malware software and perform regular backups. (2)
What To Do If Attacked
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) cybercrime division, the first thing
to do if you suspect or know you have been the victim of a cyber attack is to reach out
for support. You can call your local FBI office or contact the national office of the FBI
directly. Some types of malicious activity can be harmful not only to your business but to
public safety and national security. You should also have an internal plan of action for
notifying consumers if their information has been accessed or otherwise compromised.
Recovering From Cybercrime
There are several elements of recovery for a small business hit by online criminal
activity. Resist the urge to automatically resort to backup data, which could be infected,
or at-risk; if you’ve created a response team, call them into action; if you have an IT or
cybersecurity pro on staff or on retainer, call them immediately; if not, the FBI is the
appropriate call for further direction. Don’t attempt to hide the attack from customers or
employees, especially if their data was compromised. You’ll need a public relations
effort in place to ensure full transparency and recovery. (3)
While cybercriminals are continually evolving, so too are the technologies that can help
you and your business stay safe from attack. Preventative measures are the best form
of protection. The CGA Cybersecurity Toolkit for Small Business is a free, downloadable
resource that can help your business both protect itself and get back up and running
following an attack. (4)
Webcheck Security provides a comprehensive slate of services including penetration
testing, cyber assessment, consulting, monitoring, and digital forensics, as well as
cybersecurity questionnaires. Reach out by phone or email for more information.
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