4 Easy Ways to Thwart Hackers and Scammers

Hackers and scammers are a growing threat in a world increasingly dependent on the World Wide Web. The IoT has given internet access to billions of people around the globe which has increased the exposure to unsecured and dangerous connections. While the IoT has been undoubtedly beneficial, the risks it brings can not be ignored, especially by businesses with legacy technology and insufficient network security.

The issue here is the rate of hacking and complexity of the scams. The increase in access points around the world means more people can connect and therefore further develop infiltration techniques to steal valuable data. Data breaches can all but destroy a company as data has become more valuable than oil.

Here are the 4 easiest ways to stymie the hacking attempts of cybercriminals:

1. Encrypt your file system

Encryption can help you safeguard your files when intruders gain access to your network. While encryption won’t save your computer from malware, it can protect your data from haughty hackers.

By encrypting your entire partition or file system, you make your files impenetrable. Don’t just rely on Windows tools, either. Use enterprise cybersecurity tools to set your encryption preference, generate a strong password for your encrypted files, and store a system image.

2. Utilize network intrusion detectors

Network intrusion goes undetected all the time. Most businesses don’t even notice a cyber breach until six months after the initial incident.

By utilizing network intrusion detection software, packet sniffers, and network scanners, you can prepare for and prevent attacks on your network.

Some cybersecurity programs integrate an entire security solution for your network. They may have network intrusion and other diagnostic tools built-in. Leveraging all-in-one programs is perfectly fine, just be sure the security software you choose to use is fully featured.

3. Evaluate your network with penetration testers

Cyber breaches don’t happen when security policies are followed. You may have weak access points and other vulnerabilities that make a hack possible.

Use penetration testers to find and manage network weaknesses. When you use penetration testers, you simulate an actual attack, which gives you meaningful insight into possible vulnerabilities.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that penetration testers don’t go through every possible permutation. Your IT team and tech managers needs to be vigilant monitoring the network as well.

4. Educate your team about risks

Social engineering is the biggest cybersecurity risk. A perfectly secure computer is impossible to penetrate.

However, a human can easily be hacked. Hackers and scammers use the need to help others and commanding, fear-mongering language to get people to disclose secrets, login credentials, and network access.

Also, encourage regularly running antivirus software on individual devices, mandate strong passwords and leverage two-factor authentication. Enforcing strong password rules is vital in securing the entry points to the network.

Strong passwords are more effective than you might think and usually consist of numbers, letters, and special characters. Combine this up with two-step verification and you will be running a tight ship. Using each of these steps in tandem will all but guarantee that your company’s data will be safe and secure.

Conclusion

The first step in any security plan should be to guarantee that the file systems are completely encrypted and that no core files can be accessed outside of IT. Encryption is a simple process as most operating systems come with an option to encrypt the select drives.

Even without the option, several applications will encrypt file systems for you. Make sure that the groups are all relevant and that their access levels are variable. A system of detection may also be necessary.

Intrusion detectors will alert you to any connections on your networks that do not come from recognizable addresses. After you feel secure about your plan it’s time to test it by hiring penetration testers who will attempt to break through your protocols and hang around in your intranet.

Pen testers are incredibly valuable and can test your security to perfection. However, the tools aren’t everything. Educating your team members should be a top priority as to how one might be compromised continues to grow by the day.

All of your departments should be trained in the art of cybersecurity and spotting the spoofers. That said, each node should have some form of security that routinely checks for Trojans and pups. Checking systems routinely will guarantee that you never miss a bug from an email attachment or bad link. If not dealt with they can lead to huge holes in your network which will expose your valuable data and corrupt your systems.

Guest Author: Greg Robinson, Tech Entrepreneur