When you’ve got a nasty cold, taking some medicine is great, and it’ll probably help you feel better. But if you don’t get enough sleep or if you continue to expose yourself to germs, that virus is going to stick around. Your data isn’t much different! You can have all of the antivirus software in the world, but if you take risks online and don’t practice good data security habits, your business will always be vulnerable. But never fear! There are some simple, effective steps you can take to help keep your business safe from cyberattacks. Here are just a few of them:

Regular Backups

It’s crucial to regularly back up your data, both locally and to the cloud. If a cyberattack does occur, you can quickly restore your data from your backup files, minimizing downtime and preventing costly losses. 140,000 hard drives fail a week, which means you need a reliable way to protect your data and ensure that if anything goes wrong, you’re covered. Cloud storage makes this easy, as it automatically backs up your data to secure servers in the cloud. You can even set up automatic backup schedules and receive alerts anytime an issue pops up.

Business Continuity Planning

A business continuity plan helps you identify your key operations and prioritize which functions are essential to your continued success. For example, if you have data that’s constantly being accessed and updated, such as customer information or financial data, that needs to be a priority. You’ll also want to identify the most critical people in your organization and ensure they have access to the resources they need in case of an emergency. And here’s a happy IT stat for you: 96% of businesses who have disaster recovery solutions fully recover from a cyberattack.

Regular Software Updates

Updating your software is like getting a flu shot – it’s not glamorous, but it’ll help you avoid getting sick. Many cyberattacks take advantage of out-of-date software, so make sure you’re always running the most up-to-date versions on all your devices. Whether it’s updating your antivirus software or patching security holes in your operating system, software updates are a critical step in keeping your business safe. Just make sure that you’re doing it frequently and carefully, so you don’t accidentally disrupt any important processes!

Network Monitoring and Security

Your network is the backbone of your business. It’s where all your data flows and connects you to customers, partners, vendors, and everything else you need to run your business smoothly. Make sure that you’re constantly monitoring and securing this crucial part of your business. You can also use security software that scans for vulnerabilities in your network and alerts you to any suspicious activity. That way, cybercriminals don’t stand a chance.

A Cybersecurity Partner

You started a business to help your customers, not to become an IT genius! We all have different strengths—let a cybersecurity expert help you focus on what you do best, while they handle the rest. They can also provide valuable support when an attack does occur, teaching you how to prevent future attacks and helping you get back up and running in no time. Ultimately, a good cybersecurity partner is an invaluable asset for any business looking to protect itself from cyberattacks and data breaches.

Email Security

No one could survive without email in today’s business world. It’s how we communicate with customers, connect with industry partners, and share information within our own teams. But it’s also a prime target for hackers, who use phishing attacks to trick users into giving away sensitive data or installing malware onto their networks. That’s why it’s important to use tools like spam filters and automated retention and deletion to keep your emails protected.

Security Training and Awareness

Even the best security measures can’t protect you if your employees don’t know what to look for—we humans are responsible for 82% of data breaches. This is why regular training and awareness are essential components of a strong cybersecurity plan. Your employees will learn how to recognize common cyber threats, spot suspicious emails, and watch out for other potential vulnerabilities in your systems.

Stay Safe When You Partner With iTology

At the end of the day, cybersecurity is about more than just installing antivirus software and hoping for the best. It’s about creating a holistic approach that prioritizes safety, protects your data at every step, and helps keep your business safe from cyberattacks. By following these simple, effective steps, your business will be fully prepared to face anything the cyber world has to throw at it. And if you like the idea of having extra help with your technology, check out iTology. Our innovative cybersecurity solutions will help you stay protected from all kinds of threats, and our team of security experts is always on hand to answer your questions and give you valuable advice. Whether you’re looking for virus monitoring, secure email systems, or comprehensive training and awareness programs, we’ve got you covered. So give us a call or schedule a free consultation today!