A digitally connected world brings many conveniences and simultaneously more risks. More companies are focusing on cybersecurity measures to protect the sensitive information of the company, employees, and clients from hacks and attacks. Luckily, most threats can be avoided with a properly secured network and well-informed employees. Here are five of Origin Hi-Fi's lessons in cybersecurity that will benefit your company in 2023.
Secure Devices within your Network
Our digital devices can act as a doorway for a hacker to access the connected network. However, most of these digital devices, like smart lights and thermostats, lack tight security measures because they don't directly store sensitive data. Because hackers use the technology to access the network, more companies are aiming to secure even the simplest devices. This is easily achieved through user-set passwords, frequent security patches, and updates to existing systems.
Protect Remote Workers from Hacks
Working from home has become more common across companies, with more employees taking company laptops and smartphones from the office to their homes. Unfortunately, they're also far from the IT department's ability to check on and update these devices with anti-virus software. There are also many workers who use their personal devices on their home networks for work matters, which creates another set of cybersecurity challenges.
When an employee uses a non-secured device, they're more likely to fall victim to a phishing attack and divulge important passwords. Remote workers may find themselves on a team where they don't know some of the members well, increasing the risk of believable impersonation scams. These can lead to ransomware attacks, in which a virus enters a network and erases important information unless the user pays a ransom to the hacker. All these risks are augmented in remote settings, increasing their importance.
Your Business is Not Exempt from International Attacks
Cyber espionage is an increasing tactic by nation-states in undermining threatening governments. However, even companies and NGOs are at risk, especially if it has ever worked with any government figures or organizations. In fact, security agencies estimate that thousands of cyberattacks on global servers are by foreign governments. This year, over 70 countries will hold elections, and these events are of interest to hackers from hostile foreign interests.
But besides hacks on businesses and government infrastructure, disinformation campaigns via social media have successfully caused civilian division in multiple countries across the world to influence a government victory that could benefit a hostile state. If your business has ever worked with individuals or organizations associated with the government, that’s an even better reason to protect your network from cyberattacks.
Artificial Intelligence can Identify and Prevent Attacks
There’s been a sharp increase in cyberattacks in recent years, making it difficult for humans to predict the next attack. AI can play an important role in learning algorithms that detect data patterns at extreme speeds to recognize threats before they occur. IBM found that companies using AI to respond to data breaches save $3 million more than those who don’t use it. However, hackers are also beginning to use AI to identify poorly secured systems that would serve as easy targets for a wealth of data. Within minutes, AI can create a massive amount of phishing emails that overcome email defense systems and extract sensitive data from unaware users. Both hackers and security agencies are rushing to create more complex and intelligent algorithms that will work to their advantage via AI.
Educate Employees on Cybersecurity Safety
The best way to protect your business from cyberattacks is education! If you haven't begun to train your employees in cybersecurity awareness, they may still view this as an issue strictly for the IT department. However, once every worker understands preventative measures against common threats, that acts as an extra layer of security for both your business and employees. For example, older employees are especially susceptible to phishing, which can trick a user into the installation of malware through “social engineering” strategies.
It will be easy to help your employees understand how to spot, report, and block suspicious external activity. If your company trains employees on the utilization of two-factor authentication (2FA) and safe password usage, you'll be able to prevent unwanted hacks in the future. It doesn't hurt to incorporate encrypted emails or messaging systems to operate on a resilient network.
Here at Origin Hi-Fi, we offer a range of automated solutions for companies and residences, including AV systems. We instruct you how to secure every device, from lights to speakers, to ensure your company will stay protected and prepared for anything this year! If you have questions about cybersecurity or would like help upgrading your business, contact us today to begin!