The threat of a cyberattack isn’t easy to dismiss. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of today’s interconnected world. Around 2,200 cyberattacks happen every day. That’s over 800,000 attacks a year. All businesses are vulnerable. It doesn’t matter if they’re family-run companies or major corporations.
The World Economic Forum revealed that 2023 was a big year for cybercriminals. There were several high-profile attacks that year. These include attacks on the US State Department and the UK’s Royal Mail.
Ordinary people fell victim to cyberattacks too. According to the FBI, US citizens lost around $12.5 billion to cybercriminals in 2023. No one is safe from cybercrime. There are proactive measures one can take to safeguard oneself. This post provides tips on how to prevent a cyber attack.
Understand the Enemy
People must understand what they’re facing so they can prepare better. A cyberattack is a deliberate and malicious attempt to breach information systems. These attacks aim to steal, change, or destroy data. Cybercriminals do this to disrupt operations. They also want to gain access to networks and devices.
There’s a wide range of cyber threats happening today. Some of the most common are:
- Phishing: These are deceptive messages that trick people into revealing personal information.
- Malware: This malicious software tries to gain unauthorized access to systems.
- Ransomware: This is a type of malware that encrypts data. Cybercriminals demand payment for its release.
- DDoS Attacks: This stands for Distributed Denial of Service attacks. It overwhelms a system with traffic and causes it to crash.
- Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: This method intercepts and alters communication between two parties. This takes place without the victim’s knowledge.
Maintain Up-to-Date Software
Businesses must ensure that all their software is up to date. This includes their operating systems, applications, and security tools. Online users should do the same for their devices. This strategy is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent cyberattacks.
There are two types of updates people should take advantage of. One is the automatic updates. Companies should always enable this feature. It ensures that the company or the user is always protected with the latest security patches.
The next one is patch management. Large organizations should have a strong patch management process. This updates all systems constantly.
Pick Strong and Unique Passwords
Computer passwords have been around since 1961. It was first used to access a time-sharing computer. Passwords are now used for almost anything. Online users must have strong passwords. This helps prevent cyberattacks.
It’s best to avoid using the same password for different accounts and systems. Having the same password increases the risk of cybercriminals accessing important data. It’s also imperative to always update passwords.
Individuals and companies can also strengthen their digital defenses by doing the following:
- Create Complex Passwords: Good passwords combine letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Use a Password Manager: Some tools can create strong passwords. They can also store these passwords and keep them secure.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: It’s good to have various forms of verification. It adds several layers of security.
Use Firewall and Antivirus Software
Firewalls and antivirus software are vital elements of a strong cybersecurity strategy. A firewall acts as a barrier. It comes between a network and potential attackers. Experts can configure both hardware and software firewalls. They can do this to check incoming and outgoing traffic.
An antivirus software is a program designed to detect, prevent, and remove malware. This includes viruses, trojans, and ransomware. Malware can compromise the security and data integrity of a device. It’s best to scan systems for malware and other threats at all times. Antivirus software should always be updated. It’s the best way to detect recent threats.
Preventing cyberattacks requires a proactive approach. Companies and online users should keep up with new threats. They should also have updated software and use strong passwords. It’s also ideal to work with a cybersecurity services company.
Protecting Homes and Businesses
Absolute Computer Systems is the only IT Support company you need. We are Kenosha’s go-to cyber security services company. Our company offers comprehensive business IT services. We have a team that can handle any IT issue. Our rates are reasonable and we use top-notch equipment. Give us a call at (262) 447-8589 to avail of our services. You can also book a consultation here.
