Are you prepared for the next cyberattack?

There has never been a time when companies and organisations have been more at risk of having their data made public or stolen then through a cyberattack.

Prevention is the key to defending against cybercrimes. Using the right technology, the majority of attacks, even the most advanced ones, can be prevented without disrupting the normal business flow.

 

After wall: What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the process of defending user identity, mobile devices, computers, networks and data from malicious attacks. These cyberattacks are usually aimed at assessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information; extorting money from users; or interrupting normal business processes.

 

 

Common types of cyber threats

 

Malware – These are what we call “computer viruses”. Malicious software designed to damage your hardware, such as Spyware, Trojan horses, and keyloggers.

Ransomware – It’s a form of Malware that locks or encrypts your data until you make a specific payment.

Phishing Attacks – Have you ever received an email from a reputable company with unusual content asking you to change your password or making a suspicious payment? This is what we call a Phishing attack. It’s based on obtaining sensitive information such as passwords, credit card information through a disguised email, phone call or text message.

Social engineering – It’s the same strategy as Phishing attacks, but uses social automation to obtain confidential information.

Brute Force – Cybercriminals can also submit many passwords or passphrases with the hope of eventually gaining access to your network.

Man in the Middle – Is when an attacker relays and possibly alters communication and data between 2 parties (e.g. changing bank payment details for an invoice or requesting a payment).

 

What can you do to avoid it?

 

 

Here are some tips on how you can protect yourself and your business.

Protect yourself:

The Australian Cyber Security Centre summarised four easy steps for you to make your cyber life more secure:

1. Secure your email, social media and appsPut strong security on important accounts where you exchange personal or sensitive information such as email, bank and social media accounts.
   • Use strong passwords on your accounts. A strong password is a passphrase of at least 13 characters, made up of about four words that are meaningful for you but not easy for others to guess. For example, ‘horsecupstarshoe’.
   • Don’t use the same password on any of your accounts.
   • Consider using a reputable password manager.
   • Turn on two-factor authentication, such as a code sent to your mobile, for an extra layer of security.
2. Watch out for scam messagesOnline scams and ‘phishing’ by email, SMS, social media posts and direct messaging are designed to steal your logins, credentials and personal details or to download malicious software onto your devices.
   • Check Scam Message Artwork.
   • Check before you click links – hover over the link to see the actual web address.
   • Never enter your username or password from links in messages to your accounts – go to the official website or app.
   • If a message seems suspicious, contact the person/business through a separate, legitimate source to confirm it.
3. Secure your mobile and computer
   • Strong Passwords artwork.
   • Always use a PIN or password on your mobile and computer.
   • Always do the software updates such as Microsoft, iOS and Android.
   • Make sure you download apps from official stores such as the Apple App Store or Google Play for Android.
   • Install security software on your devices to protect you from malicious software.
4. Check public Wi-Fi before connectingInformation shared through public Wi-Fi hotspots in cafés, airports, hotels, and other public places can be intercepted.
   • Only connect to trusted networks (not trains).
   • Turn off the automatic connection to public Wi-Fi on your devices.
   • Choose to connect to non-public Wi-Fi for a more secure connection.
   • Consider installing a reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) solution on your device.

 

Protect your business:

At Techwell, we have a range of different solutions that would be tailored to your business through a multi-layer security approach, understanding each area of your business to provide you with the best possible solution.

Book a time with our specialist for a free healthy cybersecurity check so we can discuss:

• Cloud Security
• Wi-Fi Security
• Perimeter Security
• Email Security
• Networking Security
• User Security
• Mobile Device Security
• Compute Security
• Cyber Security User Training