Over 48 percent of the data breaches small businesses experience are caused by various acts of malicious intent. And hackers use a variety of tactics and tools to gain access to computer networks. It is your job as a business owner to inform your employees about these tactics so they can be avoided. Phishing attacks generally start with surveillance of you and your company. Hackers will gather up all of the information they can find about your business online. With these details, they will try to infiltrate your computer network and steal sensitive information. Things like spymail programs and even telephone calls can provide hackers with intelligence they can use for nefarious purposes. Here are some of the things you need to do to keep your business safe from phishing scams.
Assess What Information About Your Business Is Available Online
The first thing hackers do when they find a potential target is scour the internet for information about that particular company. They will look at social media accounts, business websites and blogs to find out about a company. Cyber criminals can garner a lot of data without using any “hacking techniques” at all.
Being aware of what information about your company is available online is vital. And being cautious about what information you put out for the general public is wise. The more information you provide online, the easier hackers will find it to get into your network and wreak havoc.
Create Smart Data Security Policies
Creating iron-clad data security policies is a great way to keep phishing scams from affecting your company. The main thing you need to inform your employees about regarding data security is just how important passwords are. If employees fail to properly protect their passwords, it is only a matter of time before hackers will find a way hijack your computer network.
Using methods such as two-factor authentication should be standard practice when dealing with sensitive information. Restricting access to sensitive data should also be routine. Making it only accessible on a need-to-know basis can reduce the chance of network breaches.
Use Secure Fund Transfer Tools
There have been a number of cases in which large companies have lost millions of dollars overseas due to individuals posing as employees and requesting payment transfers. If you fail to have policies in place regarding fund transfers, you may find yourself on the losing end of a hack. Requiring these requests to originate with a secure banking portal can reduce the possibility of fraudulent claims being made. Working with IT professionals can help you figure out how to increase the security of your fund transfers.
Beware of Spymail
As previously mentioned, hackers use tools like spymail to discover information about a company before trying to infiltrate its network. Generally, spymail programs are embedded in emails and are used to track the movements of the email recipient. Since 2013, the use of spymail by hackers is up nearly 284 percent. Implementing an anti-spymail program is the best way to keep this type of virus from making your network vulnerable.
Instead of leaving your business computer network open to phishing attacks and data breaches, seek out the assistance of IT professionals. Working with Monster Technology will allow you to take advantage of the latest security solutions for your network. Contact us today to find out more about the IT services we can provide.