How to Keep Your Business Safe from Cyber Crime and Fraud
So, we like everyone are preparing to re-open our business soon. I never looked forward to going to the office like this before. While doing some research for a client, I had to review many articles on protecting your business from cyber crime, fraud and other malicious acts by the unscrupulous. So, I thought I would share what I found.
Email Encryption
Email encryption. It seems that the # 1 area to address is email. Yes, just email. Most scams start through your business emails. What I learned is that it is wise to invest in firm wide encryption software. This can provide a stout defense to phishing, spear phishing, whaling, farming, vishing, drive-by download, etc. (most of these I didn’t even know existed before this working on this post). There are tons of providers out there and articles on the pros and cons of each so I don’t need to list them.
Read all of our COVID-19 articles for businesses to stay ahead of the curve (no pun intended).
The European Union (“EU”) is Ahead of the Us
Most companies do not realize how exposed their information really is! For forward thinking on data security, a good source is the European Union (EU) and EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which is makes it mandatory for businesses to secure data. Just google GDPR and you will have all the resources and up to date info you could ever want.
Checklist of Other Security Measures to Implement
- Keep your software & OS updated and regularly patched.
- Have a firewall plus software that opposes virus, spyware and phishing
- Keep browsers updated at all times with latest version of the software
- Invest in a reliable VPN (“virtual private network”)
- Two factor authentication / verification
- Encrypt your wireless network
- Educate and train your staff on warning signs
- Divide, encrypt, and back up sensitive data
- Encrypt entire drives, folders and files
- Set up strict limitations on company computers, especially what can be installed
- Use filtering that controls access to data
- Block access to restricted sites with Internet filters to prevent employees and hackers from uploading data to storage clouds
- Remove or disable USB ports so malicious data can’t be downloaded
- Implement strict password policies
- Manage email security and validate potential threats
- Take advantage of malware, spyware and firewall software programs
- Scan your site
Getting Legal Help
Brown & Charbonneau, LLP’s award winning trial attorneys represents large and small companies as well as individuals in cases involving all forms of business disputes and general business and corporate matters. If you are involved in a contract dispute, or would like to learn about your rights and how to protect your business, we can provide you with the information you need. Contact us or call today at 714.505.3000 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
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