Cybersecurity is an important topic for everyone. Suppose you don’t have a solid grasp on keeping your computer, smartphone, and other devices secure. In that case, you’re putting yourself at risk for a major headache, not to mention a serious security breach.
The cybercrime industry is growing at an alarming rate, and it’s only getting worse. And, it’s not just about cyber-criminals threatening public systems. They’re capable of much more. For example, they can also steal credit card information and other transaction details and sell them in the black market at a higher cost. We’ve also seen cyberattacks disrupt transportation and power grids, even hospitals. Why? Because these organizations didn’t protect their most vital information. Their biggest mistake was thinking they weren’t vulnerable to cyber threats because they weren’t large enough or didn’t have enough money. This is part of the reason why stringent regulations such as the GDPR set by the EU become so important. When companies enlist the help of professionals to carry out data audits, they often know what to look for in the systems and processes of the business, and can therefore provide relevant advice on how to improve said systems. Take, for example, the scenario where the payment gateway is unsafe and can be an attractive spot for hackers and cybercriminals. Many companies, nowadays, fail to recognize the threat levels despite having unsafe payment processing options. Therefore, the data audits might let the organizations know that they need to use a payment processing method that complies with the data security standards. As a result, the organizations might turn to solutions provided by firms like FastSpring. Firms like FastSpring (you can visit https://fastspring.com/global-payments/ for more information regarding this)
are known to provide a full-service e-commerce payment solutions capable of high-security global payment processing. This can ensure that data is protected, and more importantly, the company remains compliant with these regulations put in place for consumer data protection.
Considering the number of data breaches in the news every day, you’d think people would be aware of the risks of using the Internet. Many people are, but it seems most are not. In fact, according to a recently published study, most people fall prey to the same common mistakes when it comes to online security. Here are five of the biggest mistakes people make with their online security and how you can avoid them.
- Ignoring Cybersecurity Threats
As the amount of personal data stored online continues to grow, the threats to your privacy are increasing as well. We’re told to be wary of phishing scams, with links that lead to websites that steal information from our computers or fool us into installing malware that gives hackers access to our accounts. But there’s a new threat that’s even more insidious than that. It’s called “social engineering,” and it can lead to even more devastating consequences. Businesses can be left vulnerable to acts of spear or whale phishing and impersonation, leading to business email compromise (head to the Abnormal Security blog to know more) and causing huge losses to companies, financial or otherwise. It is important to stay aware and protected.
The cybersecurity threats we face have evolved over the years. Many attackers are now able to breach the security systems of even the most well-defended companies. The reason behind this is not only the increasingly sophisticated nature of attacks on our companies and institutions but also a lack of basic security and privacy-protection measures. When attacked, the damage is already done, and the businesses are forced to spend millions on rebuilding their infrastructures once again.
- Relying On A Free Antivirus Software
It’s no secret that free antivirus solutions aren’t as capable as their paid counterparts. In fact, according to recent reports, the security software on your computer could be putting you at greater risk for malware infections. The report, conducted by AV-Test, a German antivirus testing organization, evaluated 60 different programs, including the most popular free options, such as Avast, AVG, Microsoft Security Essentials, etc.
Security software can protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other threats. There are many different options for free antivirus software. You can find a few good free options online, download free antivirus software from your computer manufacturer, or even find free antivirus software from your Internet Service Provider.
- Keep On Ignoring The Big Picture
The biggest mistakes companies make when dealing with cyberattacks are focusing on the wrong things. The most common mistakes are ineffective security budgets and failing to develop a response plan. Focusing on these two pieces is not only a waste of time and money, but it can also make a company more vulnerable to a cyberattack. For example, insufficient security budgets result in a company relying on outdated technology and software. This makes them prime targets for cybercriminals looking to make a quick buck.
Data breaches, cyberattacks, and other phishing scams continue to plague many enterprise organizations despite the numerous red flags they see around them. During the course of doing business, business leaders need to be aware of privacy-related legal risks. Legal firms can help businesses understand and protect their data under cyber laws. If interested, to know more about their role, you can sneak a peek here.
- Not Being Hands-On
Thinking about the cybersecurity threats that you may encounter is, of course, a good idea, and it will help you prevent them to some extent. However, it’s also important to be prepared. There are a number of things that you can do to protect yourself against the most common threats. You can install firewalls, update antivirus software, and use strong passwords. All of these are proactive steps that can help you avoid potential threats.
- Relying On The Default Security
Your home security system is a cyber-defense priority. It has to be because it’s your first line of defense against burglaries, intrusions, and other crimes. The device and the system are a seamless part of your life. Everything is connected, so you can control everything with your smartphone. You do not even think about it. An alarm rings, you call the police. But no network or device is perfect-not even your home security system. Remember that when they say there is no such thing as cyber-security, they are talking about 100% security.
It’s not you just being lazy. You cannot always depend on your security device to do all the work.
Do you know which cybersecurity mistakes you want to avoid? Even the best cybersecurity experts make mistakes from time to time. It’s just human nature. In fact, some of the biggest security breaches ever have been caused by human error, not by hackers. Don’t let your best efforts be undone by a simple mistake.