Personal Cyber Security Tips

Ransomware, stolen passwords, phishing, malicious website—the threats to individuals in cyberspace are increasing every day. While it is almost impossible to make yourself immune to an attack, there are things you can do to make yourself a hard target. IronNet cybersecurity co-founder and former Air Force General Officer Brett Williams offers his top three tips to protect yourself from a cyber attack:

1. Never click on a link or an attachment when you cannot verify the source

Phishing attacks are getting more and more sophisticated and you can be caught before you know it. Beware of emails that have a big button saying “Click here to reset your password.” Never use an email link to access an important site like your bank or online shopping. Always manually enter the site using your normal browser.

2.  Get a password storage program

There are several out there—I use LastPass but there are many other good ones. A password keeper will allow you to generate unique and complex passwords for every site you visit and you only have to remember one password to get access. They take a bit of getting used to, but once you have the hang of it you will never have to dream up a 15 digit password and figure out how to remember it again.

3.  Use multi-factor authentication (MFA)

MFA is a login process that requires you to enter a username and a password. Then the website sends you a text or an email with a numeric code you have to enter to finish the logon process. The concept is that even if someone steals your username and password, they will not have access to your email or cell phone. Turnon2fa.com will help you understand MFA and determine if your favorite banks and online merchants offer MFA.

Whether you’re concerned about protecting yourself or your business, it’s time that cybersecurity becomes just as advanced as the technologies we need protection from.

Business Cyber Security Tips

A cyber data breach could be devastating to business. In fact, the Business Continuity Institute named cybercrime as the biggest threat to businesses this year. Thankfully, awareness and proper preventative measures can help minimize that threat, says Adam Levin, the Chairman and Founder of CyberScout, and author of the Amazon bestseller Swiped: How to Protect Yourself in a World Full of Scammers, Phishers, and Identity Thieves. Below is Adam’s signature 3M’s to cybersecurity for businesses:

1. Minimize your exposure

Foster a culture where everyone from the mailroom to the board room is invested in privacy and data security. Train your employees from the first day about best security practices. Create a map of information access, and make sure your most sensitive data is only available to those who need to have access. Have a sensible BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy, and remind employees about the importance of installing updates on devices connected to the network. Hire a chief information security officer—never leave your security to the IT department.

2. Monitor your assets

Make sure regular assessments are conducted on the security all of your data assets.

3. Manage the damage

When there is a breach or any other compromise of your company’s data security it is crucial that you act urgently, transparently and empathetically. In order to avoid an extinction level event, have a robust incident response plan. Game various scenarios and have a team in place consisting of both in-house and third-party experts who understand the timing and notification requirements in each state for various regulators, law enforcement officials, insurance companies, employees and customers.

The moral of the story is be prepared. Have a communications strategy for interaction with consumers and the media in case of a breach. Also offer monitoring products and resolution services to clients, customers, and employees that will minimize their stress and help you to regain their trust. With the average cost of a data breach at $4 million, having sufficient cyber liability insurance could mean the difference between an unfortunate yet manageable event and bankruptcy.

The content writers at BigSpeak Speakers Bureau are Experts on the Experts. They hold doctoral, masters, and bachelors’ degrees in business, writing, literature, and education. Their business thought pieces are published regularly in leading business publications. Working in close association with the top business, entrepreneur, and motivational speakers, BigSpeak content writers are at the forefront of industry trends and research.