Cybercriminals are constantly evolving. They refine and improve their tactics continually, so it’s important for security teams and individuals to do the same. If your cybersecurity is static, then your data and software will be more vulnerable to cybercrime. Here are six ways you can improve your cybersecurity.
- Develop a Threat Response Strategy
You can develop a threat response strategy using threat response solutions to better protect your software and data. A threat response solution is designed to support your security team by improving the efficiency of your incident response strategy and helping the team exert greater control over security management. You may implement a threat response solution for a variety of reasons, including resource shortages, difficulty operationalizing your security and redundant tools.
- Strengthen Access Controls
Not everyone in your organization needs to be able to access every tool or application. One easy way you can improve your cybersecurity is by strengthening your access controls. Require employees to create strong passwords. Passwords need to be long and unique. Ideally, they should be randomly generated. You should also introduce encryption features, network segmentation and multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication is a sign-on method where users are required to provide at least two methods of identification, such as a password and a security question.
- Update All Software Regularly
The best way to ensure your software is updated regularly is by turning on automatic updates. However, not every application needs automatic updates, and sometimes turning on this feature isn’t recommended. If you don’t turn on automatic updates for certain applications, be sure to check them regularly for updates. Updating software regularly ensures any security patches are successfully applied so it’s more difficult for cybercriminals to take advantage of holes or flaws in your software’s security.
- Provide Your Employees With Training
Your employees are your first line of defense against cybercriminals. No matter how advanced your security tools are, if your employees don’t understand what they do, why you’ve implemented them or how to use them, your organization will be at risk. Implement employee training programs to ensure all employees are aware of their roles in protecting your network and data. Make information on your tools and policy available for employees to review as needed. You should also train employees to recognize social engineering, a common way for cybercriminals to gain access to your data. Social engineering tactics include phishing, smishing, baiting and scareware.
- Stay Updated on Cybersecurity Trends
One of the best ways to ensure your company is continually protected is to stay up-to-date on cybersecurity trends. Keep an eye on how other companies in your sector or industry are improving their cybersecurity strategies and infrastructure. Make sure your digital security tools are regularly updated. Subscribe to cybersecurity news sources and allow your cybersecurity team to attend conferences. Internally, you should conduct regular reviews of your cybersecurity strategy to see whether it’s working as intended. If it isn’t, consider whether you need to modify or update and how.
- Practice Flexibility And Scalability in Your Cybersecurity Strategy
Many companies are increasing the scalability and flexibility of their workflows. Cybersecurity should receive the same treatment. Make sure your computing infrastructure is adaptable and capable of incorporating new and more powerful cybersecurity tools. Look for tools that are scalable and can be useful in an agile computing environment. You should also consider tools that match your computing or work environment. Make sure your security tools and strategy facilitate work in the cloud, on-premise or both. Seek out products that will protect employees whether they work remotely or in the office.
Your cybersecurity needs to fit your needs. Don’t invest in the latest security tools just because they have good reputations or seem beneficial. First, review your current security measures. Then you can determine where the gaps are and where improvements need to be made. Finally, you can choose tools or strategies that fill those gaps.
