Keeping data secure remains a huge concern for businesses of all sizes and across all industries this year as cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and become more dynamic. As of February 21, there were already 140 data breaches (exposing nearly 3 million records) in the U.S. in 2018, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center.
Having a comprehensive IT security strategy in place is more important than ever. If you’re wondering how to get started and lay the foundation for a strong approach to cybersecurity, here are a few quick and easy IT security no-brainers that can significantly reduce your risk of a data breach.
1. Vulnerability scan. This is a great jumping off point and will help you accomplish the crucial task of pinpointing any weaknesses in your IT environment. A scan will identify external and internal vulnerabilities as well as personally identifiable information (PII).
2. Cloud-based safety net. I’m sure all of you know someone that accidentally clicked on a malicious link or downloaded an attachment they shouldn’t have! Use the Internet’s infrastructure to prevent your employees from connecting to sites infected with malware.
3. Spam filter. You won’t have to worry about end users clicking on malicious links in spam emails if those messages never even reach their inboxes. Stop spam, viruses and volume-based attacks from gaining access to your network.
4. Next-generation managed firewall. With cybersecurity threats becoming more advanced every day, an old and/or outdated firewall could prove disastrous for your business. A next-gen managed firewall can fend off sophisticated attacks with tools like integrated security management, advanced logging capabilities, application control, and more.
5. Next-gen endpoint security. With the rise of mobility and the Internet of Things (IoT), there are more endpoints than ever to safeguard against cybercriminals. Keep your endpoints safe with capabilities like threat hunting and intelligence, detection and response, and next-gen anti-virus.
6. Security awareness training. Last but definitely not least, employee awareness training is imperative for any organization looking to dramatically reduce its data breach risk. A security awareness training solution can not only inform your end users about best IT security practices but also execute simulated phishing attacks to test their knowledge
Remember, these solutions should only be the beginning of your organization’s IT security efforts. Comprehensive protection requires a multilayered cybersecurity strategy. If you’re interested in learning more about IT security solutions and services, our team of expert techs can help. Don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 877-599-3999 or emailing sales@stratospherenetworks.com.
