IS TWO-FACTOR ENOUGH? 10 TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR COMPANY INFORMATION
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an essential layer in protecting company information, but it’s not a standalone solution. In today’s complex digital environment, a multi-layered security approach is necessary to safeguard sensitive data and systems. Here are ten tips to help enhance the Cyber Security of your company’s information:
1. Implement Strong Password Policies:
Ensure that all employees use strong, unique passwords for each account. A good password should be a complex mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider using a password manager to keep track of these passwords securely.
2. Regularly Update and Patch Systems:
Keep all software, including operating systems and applications, up to date with the latest patches. Many cyber-attacks exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software.
3. Educate Employees About Cybersecurity Risks:
Regular training sessions should be conducted to make employees aware of the latest cyber threats, such as phishing, malware, and social engineering attacks. Emphasis on the importance of not clicking on suspicious links or
4. Use Advanced Two-Factor Authentication:
While basic 2FA (like SMS verification) adds a layer of security, consider using more advanced methods like app-based tokens (e.g., Google Authenticator) or hardware tokens, which are less vulnerable to interception and phishing attacks.
5. Secure Your Physical Network:
Use firewalls, encrypt sensitive data, and ensure that your Wi-Fi network is secure and using the latest Wi-Fi security technology.
6. Secure your Email Gateway:
The implementation of a secure email gateway to provide enhanced protection against email borne threats is a crucial protection mechanism to prevent phishing and malware attacks on email users. A Secure Email Gateway blocks and stops unknown and untrusted emails from reaching recipients – Therefore, reducing the likelihood of an attack from occurring.
7. Monitor and Control Access:
Implement strict access controls to sensitive data. Use principles like ‘least privilege’ and ‘need-to-know’ to minimise the number of people who have access to critical information. Also, monitor logins and activities for unauthorised access.
8. Regular Backups and Recovery Plans:
Regularly back up critical data and ensure that there’s a robust disaster recovery plan in place. This will minimise the impact of data loss incidents, whether they’re due to cyber attacks or other disasters like fire or flooding.
9. Implement Device Management Policies:
With the increase in BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies, it’s essential to ensure that all devices accessing company data are secure. This includes enforcing security measures like encryption, regular updates, and the ability to remotely wipe data if a device is lost or stolen.
10. Use Encryption:
Encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. This makes the data much less valuable to cybercriminals even if they manage to access it.
11. Regularly Audit and Review Security Practices:
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, so it’s crucial to regularly review and update your security practices. Conduct regular security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities and address them promptly.
By integrating these strategies, you can create a robust security framework that goes beyond just two-factor authentication and significantly enhances the protection of your company’s information and network.
Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process, not a one-time setup. Previously, a 2-factor authentication was sufficient to provide protection against most attacks (In conjunction with a strong password), the ability for attackers to now steal 2-factor authentication tokens requires a stronger security posture to maintain a higher level of protection for your organization.
Stay informed, stay vigilant, and adapt to the evolving landscape of cyber threats by contacting Ativo ICT for all your security needs.