Cybersecurity has been the topic of much discussion over the past few years. While cybercrimes have been around since the first cyberattack against the telegraph, hackers are becoming more sophisticated as they seek bigger, larger, and more critical targets. The Equifax attack in 2017, for example, led to nearly half of the US population having their social security numbers, birth dates, and other data were stolen. The NotPetya malware infected numerous international businesses like Merck & Co and FedEx. With almost too many breaches to count, one thing is certain – the frequency and magnitude of these attacks are proof positive that cybercriminals are always on the lookout for larger, more lucrative targets.

The question remains – if companies like Equifax, Merck & Co, and FedEx are vulnerable to cybercrime, what can you do to keep your business safe?

Update Everything

Gone are the days of simply installing virus protection on your desktop computer. Businesses are now faced with managing the security of numerous devices like mobile phones, tablets, laptops, operating systems, and other IT hardware. The more devices connect to the network, the more imperative it is that your IT department stay current on the latest security updates for those devices. Keeping devices up-to-date with the latest security patches and operating systems helps prevent dangerous malware and viruses from getting through the system and holding your employee devices hostage.

Train Your Employees

Speaking of employees – did you know that anywhere from 43 – 54% of security breaches are due to insiders? That’s not to say that employees are maliciously trying to take down the company, but rather they have not been trained to identify potential risks and protect themselves and their devices from infection. Educating your entire employee base, from top-level management to mailroom clerks, can reduce the number of potential threats to your systems, data, and devices. Additionally, building a security plan with strict policies around best practices helps the IT department understand what happened if a breach does occur.

Find a Security Partner

Many businesses simply don’t know where to begin when it comes to protecting themselves from cyber-attacks. There are a variety of providers out there, but as with most technology – not all are created equal. LanYap Networks can help you to find a security partner who will fortify your network and keep your business safe. Give us a call!