Simple Steps to Avoid Cybercrime

Identity theft. Computer viruses. Phishing. And at a corporate level, computer hacking of customer databases. Most people are aware of these potential cyber threats and protect themselves and their PCs with anti-spyware and anti-virus software such as Norton or McAfee programs. As an business owner, you should be aware of the fact that cybercrime is becoming more and more sophisticated and not only targets consumers and large corporations, but small to medium-sized businesses as well. Single programs against these intrusions are not enough.

Take the first steps to help prevent fraud by learning about the latest cybercrimes and how intruders can access a business’s computer network. Then proactively employ the most up-to-date online security practices possible.  While no tools or automated software is 100% effective, using a multiple vendor, multi-layer approach to system design can significantly reduce your chances of being a victim of cybercrime. To assess the risks associated with a cyber intrusion of your business’ online systems and critical client data, ask:

1. Does your business have a hardware based firewall at the network level?
2. Does the network firewall include anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-spam services, along with content filtering and intrusion prevention, detection and real-time reporting?
3. At the individual PC level, does each computer have centrally updated and monitored anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-spam software loaded?
4. Are your computers set up to automatically update your operating system and applications for the latest available security and critical updates?
5. Do you consider your browser security setting to determine how much or how little information the browser can accept from, or transmit to, a website?
6. Does your business have a security policy in place that includes such policies as disaster recovery, use/storage of passwords, use of social media on work computers, etc.?
7. Does your business back-up critical files in case of an issue that disables your systems?
8. Has your business identified an individual to review security policies and practices on an ongoing basis?
9. Are you aware of the laws governing the protection of personal information in your state?
10. Do you have cybercrime insurance to protect your data and liability exposure in the event of an intrusion?
11. Does your business have a training program to educate employees on best practices to avoid becoming a victim?
12. Does your online banking system provide multiple layers of security tools to prevent intrusions into the system such as token-based authentication? Business principals should consider the types of transactions they conduct within online banking and check with their banking institution for available security enhancements.

These are just some of the basic steps a business can implement to assess and protect itself from cybercrime. It is recommended to have a certified information technician, specializing in network security conduct an evaluation. This evaluation will help you to identify the next steps in securing your network and data from unauthorized access and distribution