13 Tips to Avoid a Cyber Disaster
Cyber security and best data management practices have been on my mind lately. In part, that’s because there are almost weekly stories of corporations being subjected to ransomware attacks or having their data stolen. And lately, a number of our customers have found themselves caught up in cyber fraud. Being subjected to data theft or computer-related criminal activity can be financially punishing and highly stressful. That’s why we devote huge attention to cybersecurity and responsible data practices at Algood. Based on what we’ve learned and our ongoing scrutiny, I’ve created a 13-item action list to help our customers, suppliers, and colleagues avoid a cyber disaster.
- First and foremost – don’t provide any bank, financial or payment information in response to an email or online request. Avoid responding to or in any way interacting with emails that are even the slightest bit suspicious. Criminals are very ingenious these days and can make emails look like they are perfectly legitimate. To confirm that an email is a scam, check the sender’s reply email address. Most often, you will see that it is totally unrelated to the company the email purports to be from.
- Consider implementing domain monitoring software. Domain monitoring protects your company’s domain name from potential cyberattacks. These may include phishing schemes, website hacking, and impersonating business websites. Without this protection, cybercriminals can mimic your brand, deceive customers, or spread malware.
- Consult your accountants. Many accounting firms have specialists or entire departments focused on cyber security. They can be a source of best practice and worthwhile advice.
- Implement anti-virus and security software. To have any cyber-protection, this is a must-have.
- Change passwords every six months and use a password vault. This is an easy form of cyber-fraud prevention.
- Use multi-factor or two-factor authorization when signing into any financial or accounting software or platforms.
- Use password protection software. These programs generate and store indecipherable passwords and safely house credit cards and personal or payment information.
- Perform multiple backups of all data regularly – weekly at a minimum.
- Ensure that your business insurance policy includes cyber-protection and cybersecurity provisions/coverage.
- Consider creating a safe room where any central computer device is located. Special access is required and provided to the smallest possible number of people.
- Conduct regular cyber security audits.
- Control access to sensitive data. Only a very small number of people using very tight procedures should be able to access online financial, banking, or payment information.
- Add malware detection software in addition to anti-virus software. Undetected malware can quickly bore its way into critical computer data. Anti-virus software will not necessarily find malware.
Being cyber-secure is an ongoing process that requires regular attention. Cybercriminals are very smart and constantly adopt new and more dangerous techniques. I encourage you to be vigilant and make sure that data and computer security are always top of mind.
If you encounter anything unusual, you think we should know about, or if you have any questions about data security, please don’t hesitate to email or call.