Whether you're looking for tips on how to secure your home network, stay safe while working remotely, or protect your business from cyber-attacks, you'll find valuable information here. So, grab a cup of coffee, make yourself comfortable, and let's dive into the world of cyber security together!

To start you off with the basics surrounding Business security posture, here are some foundation cyber security practices that we feel every company, regardless of size or structure should maintain.

1. Use strong, unique passwords: Encourage your employees to use strong, unique passwords for all of their accounts, and consider implementing a password management system to help them keep track of them. If you don’t already have a password or credential management solution, reach out to us! It’s a very low-cost investment with high-value return.
2. Keep software and systems up to date: Make sure that all software and systems are kept up to date with the latest security patches and updates. This means creating and enforcing a schedule in which your patch your organizational and personal systems per the vendor or propriatery system recommendations. In plain English, make sure you keep your Windows, macOS, Linux, and other every-day workstations up to date!
3. Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second form of authentication, such as a code sent to their phone, in addition to their password. This is one of the most significant security measures you can take to protect yourself and your company by making it much harder for hackers and threats to gain access to your accounts, mitigating very expensive remedial efforts.
4. Educate employees about cyber security: Provide your employees with training on how to identify and prevent cyber threats, such as phishing attacks and malware. This can be quite tedious depending on the nature and size of your workforce – but you don’t have to do this alone! We offer affordable and tailored training solutions for businesses of all types to ensure you’re up to speed with the everchanging cyber threat world.
5. Implement a firewall: A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Although many personal and home networks will have a basic firewall implemented as part of their Internet Service Provider (ISP) subscription, business firewalls can be reasonably more daunting to implement and maintain – as the attacks against them are significantly more complex and costly to defend against. As you have probably guessed, we can help!
6. Back up important data: Regularly back up important data to ensure that it can be recovered in the event of a cyber-attack or other disaster. This is normally regarded as “BCDR” or Business Continuity / Disaster Recovery strategy – and can make all the difference between your business shutting down or screeching to a complete halt because of a Ransomeware attack — or being able to recover within a matter of hours with minimum impact to your revenue and operations. We offer multiple BCDR solutions that won’t break the bank, so you can rest easy at night knowing you’re fully covered.
7. Use secure networks: Use secure, encrypted networks, such as a virtual private network (VPN), when accessing sensitive data or connecting to the internet from public WiFi. This one may appear simple, but a good portion of attacks happen when you connect your personal or business laptop to a public network during your coffee break at Starbucks, or a local Library, or at the airport while you stress over locating your gate. Needless to say, we offer several VPN and ZTNA solutions so you can conduct all personal and business ops fully encrypted and protected.

By following these basic cyber security practices, businesses and individuals can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to a cyber-attack.

For additional details on how you can protect your corporate or personal network, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at contact@cloudbytegroup.com!

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"How else can we maintain a strong cyber security posture?"

We’re glad you asked!

Although the above steps we’ve outlined are a solid start to any basic security framework, there are additional precautions you can take to further reduce your threat surface from costly attacks:

Monitor activity: Implement monitoring systems to track activity on your network, such as logins and file access, to detect and respond to potential threats.

Use security software: Install security software, such as antivirus and anti-malware programs, to protect against known threats.

Limit access to sensitive data: Only grant access to sensitive data to employees who need it to perform their job duties, and consider implementing additional security measures, such as data encryption, to protect it.

Implement network segregation: Segment your network into smaller, more secure subnetworks to limit the impact of a potential breach.

Review and update your security policies: Regularly review and update your security policies to ensure that they reflect current best practices and meet the needs of your organization.

By following these tips and staying vigilant, businesses can effectively protect themselves against cyber threats and maintain a secure online presence.

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Cyber security is everyone's responsibility.

Your company’s security is only as strong as its weakest link, which often happens to be the human factor. You can deploy the most expensive, high-tech solution on the market, but it won’t amount to much if your staff is not properly trained on best security practices.

In reality, cyber security is everyone’s responsibility in a company. While it may be the IT team’s job to implement and manage technical security measures, it’s important for all employees to be aware of and follow good cyber security practices to help protect the company’s data and systems. On top of the pointers we previously covered in our blog, such as the effectiveness of using strong, unique passwords, being cautious about opening emails or links from unknown sources, and following company policies for accessing and handling sensitive data.

By promoting a culture of cyber security and educating employees about the importance of protecting company assets, businesses can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to a cyber attack.

We totally get it – this stuff isn’t always easy, affordable, or fast to implement. Thankfully, you don’t have to embark on this journey alone!

We offer free consultations surrounding all tech challenges facing your industry, inclusive of top-notch cybersecurity solutions. Click here to learn more and take the first step towards protecting your business today.

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