TopicUk Business Magazine

Safeguarding your business against data breaches

The Editor -

Many businesses are now using the internet; however, the use of the internet has multiple risks associated with it. The vast number of data breaches that occurs every day is overwhelming. Data breaches occur at any time. You can be a victim of a cyber-attack while browsing at the office, at home, or even traveling. After all, cyber attackers wait for the right moment when you let your guard down to steal your personal or business data. So what is a data breach, and how do you prevent it?

A data breach is a situation in which company or personal data is taken from a system without the owner's consent or knowledge.

The consequences of data breaches are enormously huge and expensive. In the worst-case scenario, data breaches can destroy the brand and reputation of a person or business. For example, LinkedIn suffered a data breach whereby a hacker stole 165 million users' data. LinkedIn paid heavily for the data breach. They spent more than £3 million to clean up the leak. Not to mention thousands or millions that lost trust on this social media platform. Therefore, securing business data is never an option.

But how do you protect your business against data breaches? This article highlights some of the common threats and discusses some possible solutions to curb these threats. Let's get started!

Data Breach Threats

Password Attacks
This is one of the common online threats that many businesses face. An attacker uses different methods to acquire or guess their target's passwords. After cracking the password, they can break into a system or network and steal stored data.

Phishing Attacks
Under this method, the attacker pretends to be a trusted business or person and sends a malicious link or file for the target to open. Once the target opens the file or link, the attacker can collect login details and other confidential information.

Malware Attacks
Malware consists of viruses, adware, worms, or spyware. They are sent to harm a programmable device, network, or service. In addition, they are used to gain unauthorized entry into a system to steal information, wipe data, or encrypt essential files.

Eavesdrop Attacks
In Eavedrop attacks, Cyber attackers take advantage of unsecured communication between two networks, people, or computers, to steal data. Also known as a sniffing attack, the attacker usually intercepts data as it is being transmitted from one point, person, or device to another.
Tips to keep your company and personal data safe.

Update Software Regularly
Software and Application providers provide regular updates for operating systems and applications. Whenever Microsoft, MacBook, Linus, or Android update their software, make sure you update yours too. Similarly, download the latest updates on applications on your devices. Older software and apps are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

Create Difficult Passwords
Creating complex passwords is one of the easiest ways to safeguard against data breaches. Avoid simple passwords that an attacker can easily decipher, such as your date of birth or names. Instead, opt for complex passwords that contain uppercase and lowercase letters. Mix these letters with numbers and special characters. Complex passwords are much harder to crack.

Use a multi-factor authentication system
You must create a multi-factor authentication (MFA) if you run a corporate system or network. An MFA is an authentication mechanism that requires users to prove their identity before accessing an account, system, or network. Adding another layer of security in the form of MFA decreases the probability that the hacker who has cracked the password can gain access to the system or network.

Browse Safely
Responsible browsing across the internet also helps you avoid malicious content. Stay away from illegal sites that you don't know. In many cases, these sites contain malware that can harm your device.

Also, avoid suspicious online ads that may pop up on your browser while browsing. Similarly, be cautious of the attachments that are sent through unknown emails.

Install antivirus software
Antivirus software can also improve the security of the devices that you use. Install antivirus software on your PC or smartphone to block viruses or malware.

If you wish to acquire antivirus software on your device, it is pretty simple. Get the latest antivirus software from Avira. Avira antivirus software is easy to use and is available for different operating systems and devices.

The Avira free antivirus software is available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS and protects your laptop, tablet, or smartphone from:

  • Ransomware

  • Adware

  • Spyware

  • Hacking

  • Phishing

  • Worms
    For more protection, you can choose the Avira antivirus Pro package that:

  • Prevents malware and phishing attacks

  • Secures shopping

  • Blocks ads

Privacy and confidentiality of data are paramount for every business. Data breaches are usually costly and sometimes unrecoverable. Avira has so many Advantages you can enjoy, therefore, secure your data now by downloading Avira antivirus software!