After outlining some of the threats individuals, companies, and even the United States faces from cyber threats, many want to know how we can protect ourselves. U.S. Cyber Command is in charge of keeping the United States information networks safe. While they should keep the infrastructure safe, companies need to take other measures to protect themselves.
For the security of the Untied States and other countries, many try to pass laws so that the government has more control over cyber space. These proposed laws bring up the question about how much power and control governments should have so most do not make it far. The main thing individuals can do is to make their opinions known about what the government is doing to keep us secure.
So while politicians argue about what we should do here is what companies should do to protect themselves now.The Federal Communications Commission recommends these steps for companies to be safer in cyber space.
1. Train EmployeesEach company should have basic security policies set up. Employees should be educated on such practices. Some that should be included are appropriate Internet use guideline, penalties for violating rules, how to keep costumer information safe, and what to do if the information seems compromised.
2. Protect From Attacks
Have the latest security software, web browsers and updates. Having one thing out of date can let a virus in so keep update as soon as available. Have protection run regular scans to pick up infections.
3. Firewall Security
Make sure the operating system's firewall is enabled. The firewall will help keep outsiders from accessing data on the private network. If employees are going to work from home, make sure they have a firewall up as well.
4. Mobile Device Plans
With the rise of smartphones in companies, they create risks for employers as well. Employees that use their smartphones for work or have company phones need to have them password protected and encrypt their data. There also need to be procedures in place for lost or stolen equipment.
5.Backups
It seems like everyone gets told to have backups but few listen. So backup data on all computers, a good practice is having is set daily at the end of the work day. Backup weekly at the least and either store backups offsite or in the cloud.
6. Control Access
Prevent others from accessing company computers as easily with password protected accounts for employees. Laptops are an easy target so have them set to lock when the lid is closed. Only give admin rights to trusted IT and key people to limit what can be downloaded. Only give people access to the data they need, don't give them all in one if they don't need it to do their job.
7. Secure that Wi-Fi
Make sure your Wi-Fi is secure, encrypted and hidden. Many forget to do this after setting up the network so then any criminal can see your network. Password protect your router and have it set so that it does not broadcast the network name.
8. Passwords
Make employees change their passwords every so often. Check with your vendors as well to see what they do to secure your accounts so that your information doesn't get leaked through them.
By following these tips, businesses can better protect themselves from cyber threats. Many of these can also be applied to individuals as well. Next time we will go over some tips that individuals should follow to keep themselves safe from the rising cyber threats.
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