Securing the IT environment is a must for every organization, no matter its size. It’s a sure-fire way to protect your organization from cyber threats. Cyberattacks can occur in different ways, such as illegally accessing hardware, mobile devices, and computers, sending spam emails with malware, and infecting computers with spyware, ransomware, and viruses.
These kinds of cyberattacks lead to serious consequences, including higher costs. For instance, ransomware causes companies to pay ransom. Once ransom is paid, workers can continue using IT systems. Moreover, cyberattacks can interfere with business operations by adding malicious code on a server that keeps companies from accessing their website. Businesses even lose their reputation because of cybercrime. When the IT infrastructure is attacked, customers, clients, or suppliers will begin to feel unsure or less confident about letting your company handle sensitive information.
Therefore, you need to ensure that the IT environment is safe if you want to prevent financial burdens and maintain your business’s reputation. One way to do that is to hire a trustworthy managed service provider that not only offers effective cyber security solutions but also additional hints that will guarantee a strong IT infrastructure.
Here are other ways you can create a secure IT environment:
- Be Aware Of What You’re Fighting
Any security strategy requires information. You need to know what you’re defending. As they say, you can’t win if you don’t know what you’re fighting for or against. Hence, you need to conduct a proper assessment of all your assets and resources and then organize it in order of importance to your organization.
Take time to identify potential threats. Find out if there are any phishing emails that your organization has received. Keep sensitive data encrypted and make sure your organization’s website isn’t exposed to a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack.
Determine what cyber criminals may be looking for. They usually target proprietary information, network resources, contracts, and other necessary documents.
- Always Update Your Software
Make it a habit to install the latest security updates on your devices. It’s advisable to use web browsers like Chrome and Firefox since they come with frequent automatic security updates. Additionally, turn on automatic updates for your operating system and keep browser plug-ins updated.
- Have A Controlled Number Of Users With Admin Rights
Assigning one or two IT leaders with admin rights will be enough. Allowing many users to have admin rights won’t be wise since it increases the risk of unauthorized access to the organization’s data.
- Use Strong Passwords
Many cyber criminals can easily access organization’s data because of weak password protocols. So, see to it that all sensitive data, wireless networks, and equipment are protected by using special user names and passwords. Strong passwords include numbers, letters, and symbols. Passwords shouldn’t be based on easy-to-guess dates or standard dictionary words. Furthermore, encrypt master documents with passcodes and store them in a secure place.
- Update Your Organization’s IT Security Policies
Review your policies to identify areas that are lacking and align them with the organization’s current needs. Make any necessary adjustments. Don’t excuse any IT-related violation; ensure that every employee adheres to the policies. If you need help in establishing the policies, reach out to an IT security consultant.
- Come Up With Backup And Disaster Recovery Measures
Backup and disaster recovery (BDR) services are critical since they allow organizations to continue operations even during a significant cyberattack. Choose a BDR firm that conducts training and a test plan so that your company won’t have to recover data after an attack.
- Establish The Right Team
You should have a team equipped with the necessary knowledge and experience. Train employees, hire new workers, and partner with a managed service provider. The right people will determine whether your organization is vulnerable to cyber threats and do what they can to strengthen IT security.
- Lock Devices
Note that the physical security of your devices is as important as their technical security. Ensure to lock phones, laptops, or tablets when they’re idle for a while. Encrypt and lock flash drives and external hard drives with protected data too. Keep desktop computers’ screens locked or shut down the system when not in use.
- Conduct An IT Security Audit
It’s important to let IT security experts conduct audits on your IT infrastructure. An IT security audit will help you identify problem areas and inefficiencies in the IT processes.
For example, experts perform vulnerability scans to spot security loopholes in the IT systems. They carry out penetration tests as well to see if they can access applications, networks, and systems illegally. After completing all the procedures, they submit penetration testing reports, so your company can analyze the issues further and take action.
Conclusion
Cyber criminals continue to up their game, developing techniques for stealing and corrupting information. Thus, organizations should level up to provide a secure IT environment that can withstand or block attacks.
