6 Reasons Abbotsford Businesses are Compromised by a Data Breach

Data breaches, ransomware, and cyberattacks: you may have heard more about them in the news lately than ever before, and with good reason. Not only are cyberattacks on the rise, but hackers have also recently breached a number of big businesses that have caused challenges both locally and around the world.

Do you know how to keep your business safe from these common reasons businesses suffer data breaches?

Reason #1: Weak credentials.

Passwords matter. A simple, easy-to-hack password--including one that can be brute forced with a relatively simple dictionary-based algorithm--can allow a hacker into your system. If a hacker can easily guess your passwords or acquire them through a little social engineering, you might end up handing your business's data over to them.

How to Avoid It
If you want to avoid being the victim of weak credentials in your business, insist on strong password standards. This doesn't mean forcing regular password updates, which could cause users to use ever-simpler passwords in an effort to remember them, but rather using solid passwords from the beginning. You may also want to try solutions like password managers or multifactor authentication, which can aid in security and help protect your vital data. Also, ensure that employees use different passwords for different platforms and programs, since a hacker who can expose an account through one platform may use that information to access another one.

Reason #2: Phishing scams.

The weakest link in the security structure for your business is the people who sit behind those keyboards. Phishing scams can come through malicious links in emails, phone calls, or in ads. Through social engineering, often, hackers can learn how to gain access to your business--and many employees may never realize that they've committed an error.

How to Avoid It
Ensure that your employees receive the right training to avoid phishing scams. Institute strong policies, including not clicking on links from emails, that will help employees avoid those scams. By providing employees with the right training, you can create a vital layer of protection around your business that will help keep that vital data as safe as possible.

Reason #3: Back Door Vulnerabilities

Often, the easiest way into your system is through a third-party application. Sometimes, those applications and software solutions have vulnerabilities that are not discovered until well after they are released. Most of the time, once the vulnerability is found, it will be dealt with quickly through software patches and updates. However, if you don't install those vital updates, you may be leaving your door open to malicious attacks.

How to Avoid It
If you want to avoid leaving a back door open for hackers to slip through, make sure your software updates and patches are always up to date. Schedule regular updates, or work with an IT provider who will ensure that those updates will get installed at the time that offers the least disruption to your business as a whole. Don't fall into the trap of putting off updates until it's "convenient," since "convenient" may also equate to "never." By keeping those patches installed and your software updated, you'll find that you're able to provide a much higher overall layer of protection for your business.

Reason #4: Malware

Malware has risen immensely over the past year. Executable files are still the easiest way to catch a virus and spread malware through your system--and once it's in, it can quickly spread throughout the rest of your network. Malware often comes from malicious websites, which may demand that you allow or execute a specific file before you can move forward. Pop-ups, especially suspicious-looking ones, are often to blame.

How to Avoid It
The first line of defence against malware is a strong antivirus program that will catch many of those attacks before they start. Firewalls can serve as literal walls: a fantastic line of protection that can help prevent those malicious files from making it into your system. Training your employees is also critical to helping your business avoid malware attacks. Make sure employees know what to do if they have a dangerous popup or unexpected request to execute a file on their devices. With this simple step, you can prevent many of those attacks from threatening your system.

Reason #5: Easy Access Through Permissions

What permissions do your employees have within your system? In many businesses, overly complex permissions that grant even the average user access to almost everything in the system are an open invitation to a hacker, who can use a single access point to gain access to multiple other points throughout your organization.

How to Avoid It
Not everyone needs admin rights to your system. While some people certainly do--including your IT team--you may find that your users need fewer permissions than you think. Keep your permissions simple and deny access to people who have no reason to access that information.

Reason #6: User Error

If your users don't know how to properly configure your security settings, data backups, and software, you may find that you're inadvertently leaving serious holes in your organization's security. Imagine, for example, that an employee makes a mistake when configuring your data backup solution. Perhaps, instead of backing up daily, it backs up weekly--or maybe it fails to back up vital files. Then, in a ransomware attack, you may find yourself scrambling with no idea what to do next.

How to Avoid It
Using the right IT provider for your needs is critical. Even if you have an internal IT team, if they don't specialize in cybersecurity, they may not know how to address the latest threats and protect your organization. If you want to keep your business as safe as possible, turn your security over to a trusted organization that can help ensure that you have robust protections in place.

Data breaches can be devastating for your organization. While you cannot prevent all potential errors, especially when it comes to the humans who use your systems every day, you can help protect that vital data. From ensuring that you have the latest protections to helping your employees better understand potential risks and how they can help prevent them, Coleman Technologies can improve your security protections. Contact us today to learn more.