Nowadays, data breaches are a common occurrence. We hear about them all over the news, we see advertisements for protective software, and we hear about the companies that dealt with them. However, most assume they’re immune and don’t take action to protect themselves. Often, these breaches can have devastating, sometimes fatal, consequences for the businesses they target.
Fortunately, there are a few reliable steps you can take to protect your data from hacking. In this post, we will discuss secure web access, and why it is vital for your Long Island business.
The importance of a cybersecurity plan for your business
Cyberattacks can damage your company’s computer systems. If you go online with an unprotected device then it is likely that you will be hacked. Often, the Long Island businesses who experience sophisticated cyberattacks don’t recover from the damage.
The best way to protect your computers is by installing a secure web access system for each computer in the office and making sure all of these systems are updated with the latest patches, spam filtering and antivirus protection.
What is Secure Web Access?
Secure Web Access is a secure browser that provides access to your business systems, such as applications and databases.
These systems offer security features by encrypting (locking and protecting) your data. In addition, this system serves as an intermediary between your users and the server operating professional applications. Therefore, hackers, viruses and other malicious third-party agents cannot intercept sensitive data during transit or on storage devices without authorization.
Secure Web Access ensures that only those with legitimate authorization can access your digital infrastructure and data. With state-of-the-art security features, multiple layers of protection guarantee a system that can withstand even the most sophisticated intrusion tactics. However, you and all authorized personnel can access it with a simple click. While Secure Web Access uses a complex and multilayered operation, legitimate users will have no difficulty gaining access. Not only will your system be safe, but navigation will be simple.
Additionally, Secure Web Access provides wall-to-wall protection against malware (malicious software) attacks and all other unauthorized intrusions into your IT infrastructure. In addition to the aforementioned features, Secure Web Access also provides constant antivirus protection to users throughout online browsing. With the most modern and innovative antivirus software, Secure Web Access means no more ransomware, spyware or phishing scams, among others. Ultimately, Secure Web Access is the surest way to eliminate the risks that online threats pose to your Long Island business.
Hiring an IT Professional to Implement Secure Web Access
Basically, an IT professional is the surest way to protect your Long Island business from each of these threats and more. Cybercrime evolves just as rapidly as technology trends do. Therefore, it’s impossible to keep your business’s security as up-to-date as it needs to be to avoid costly disruptions by yourself.
An IT professional will keep your system and network safe, provide secure access data for all personnel, manage tricky and unfamiliar IT issues and more. Ultimately, hiring an IT professional will save your business incalculable fees, stress and disruptions.
What are the most common types of cyber attacks that businesses experience?
A cyber attack is a deliberate attempt to breach your information. There are many different types of cyber attacks that businesses experience.
1. Phishing
The most common type is the phishing attack, where a hacker sends out an email with well disguised links to malware or spam. Typically, the hacker will disguise their email to look like it came from a trustworthy source. This can include a bank or even a family member. Often, they’ll include the official logo of a well-known company in order to solicit sensitive information. Usually, they demand data like passwords, credit card information or Social Security Numbers.
Once they provide their private data, the hackers can access any financial, personal or corporate account that relies on that information for security. In addition, phishing hackers usually obtain a measure of control over corporate networks as a part of a larger attack. Hackers will compromise employees to bypass security perimeters, distribute malware within the network, or gain access to secure data.
A Long Island business succumbing to such an attack usually sustains significant financial losses. Additionally, consequences like declining market share, reputation, and consumer trust are common in the aftermath of phishing attacks. Depending on the severity, a phishing hack can easily escalate into a major incident which companies struggle to recover from.
2. Ransomware
Ransomware is a specific kind of malware that threatens to publish or deny access to critical data or a system/network, usually by encrypting it. The victim will be unable to access their data or computer system until they pay a fee to their attacker.
In many cases, the hacker will include a deadline. Usually, if they don’t receive payment on time, that data is lost forever. Ransomware attackers and their techniques are evolving in sophistication. For example, the more modern types of ransomware require payments that are basically impossible to trace. As a result, the cybercriminals remain anonymous and outside the reach of law enforcement. A notorious form of mobile ransomware, Fusob, requires its victims to pay the ransom with Apple iTunes gift cards rather than standard global currency.
3. Spyware
Spyware is particularly insidious, as it will infect your system for some time before you’re aware of it. Often, by agreeing to the terms and conditions of a seemingly-legitimate software, you’re inadvertently giving spyware permission to access your system.
Moreover, it will remain in your system for some time, constantly observing your every digital move. Spyware will collect information on your browsing habits, downloads, friends/family, usernames and passwords, financial data, shopping, and anything else you might handle online.
Conclusion
CST Technology Solutions provides our clients with the most state-of-the-art security systems available today. In addition, we help countless companies recover from devastating data breaches and malware attacks. However, we strongly recommend remaining ahead of the attack by implementing security measures before any breaches can occur.
The experts at CST Technology Solutions are always ready to help you fortify your system and keep your business operating with maximum efficiency.