CYBER SECURITY ATTACK PROTECTIONS AND STEPS FOR YOUR BUSINESS TO CONSIDER AND IMPLEMENT
Cyber security is a hot topic involved in all aspects of our lives, especially in our work and businesses. Everyone wants to remind you that your data is at risk and that more data breaches come from employee activity than any other area. From executives, chief officers, controllers, and human resource employees, companies are writing strict employee policies trying to protect their data, information, including proprietary and/or confidential information. This article provides you some protections and steps to consider to put in place for your business to implement. Many of these steps will help you align your business with current industry standards. Basically, every business needs to consider and implement some basic security principles and practices due to constant threat of cyber security attacks in the on-line world that we all live and work in today.
- Train employees in security principles. Establish basic security practices and policies for employees, such as requiring strong passwords and establish appropriate Internet use guidelines, that detail penalties for violating company cybersecurity policies. Establish rules of behavior describing how to handle and protect customer information and other vital data. Follow best practices in having employees trained and execute confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements with employees as appropriate based on access.
IS YOUR BUSINESS PROTECTED AGAINST A CYBER SECURITY ATTACK? HAS YOUR BUSINESS TRAINED YOUR EMPLOYEES IN SECURITY PRINCIPLES AND CURRENT INDUSTRY BEST PRACTICES ON CYBER SECURITY?
- Protect information, computers, and networks from cyber- attacks. Keep clean machines: having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Set antivirus software to run a scan after each update. Install other key software updates as soon as they are available.
DOES YOUR INTERNET CONNECTION HAVE FIREWALL SECURITY PROTECTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH INDUSTRY BEST PRACTICES?
- Provide firewall security for your Internet connection. A firewall is a set of related programs that prevent outsiders from accessing data on a private network. Make sure the operating system’s firewall is enabled or install free firewall software available online. If employees work from home, ensure that their home system(s) are protected by a firewall.
DO YOU HAVE A MOBILE DEVICE ACTION PLAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
- Create a mobile device action plan. Mobile devices can create significant security and management challenges, especially if they hold confidential information or can access the corporate network. Require users to password protect their devices, encrypt their data, and install security apps to prevent criminals from stealing information while the phone is on public networks. Be sure to set reporting procedures for lost or stolen equipment.
BACKUP AND MAINTAIN BACKUP COPIES OF IMPORTANT BUSINESS DATA AND INFORMATION.
- Make backup copies of important business data and information. Regularly backup the data on all computers. Critical data includes word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets, databases, financial files, human resources files, and accounts receivable/payable files. Backup data automatically if possible, or at least weekly and store the copies either in a secure offsite location or in a secure cloud.
CONTROL PHYSICAL ACCESS TO COMPUTERS AND CREATE USER ACCOUNTS.
- Control physical access to your computers and create user accounts for each employee. Prevent access or use of business computers by unauthorized individuals. Laptops can be particularly easy targets for theft or can be lost, so lock them up when unattended. Make sure a separate user account is created for each employee and require strong passwords. Administrative privileges should only be given to trusted IT staff and key personnel.
SECURE YOUR WI-FI NETWORKS!
- Secure your Wi-Fi networks. If you have a Wi-Fi network for your workplace, make sure it is secure, encrypted, and hidden. To hide your Wi-Fi network, set up your wireless access point or router so it does not broadcast the network name, known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID). Password protect access to the router.
EMPLOY BEST PRACTICES WITH PAYMENT CARDS.
- Employ best practices on payment cards. Work with banks or processors to ensure the most trusted and validated tools and anti-fraud services are being used. You may also have additional security obligations pursuant to agreements with your bank or processor. Isolate payment systems from other, less secure programs and don’t use the same computer to process payments and surf the Internet. Also, follow the recommended practices to avoid scams and business email compromises for your business.
LIMIT EMPLOYEE ACCESS TO DATA AND INFORMATION; LIMIT AUTHORITY TO INSTALL SOFTWARE.
- Limit employee access to data and information, and limit authority to install software. Do not provide any one employee with access to all data systems. Employees should only be given access to the specific data systems that they need for their jobs, and should not be able to install any software without permission. Further, your business should implement processes and practices in protecting all of its data, information, including all confidential and/or proprietary information. Limiting access is an important step in this protection process.
USE BEST INDUSTRY PRACTICES WITH PASSWORD SECURITY AND AUTHENTICATION!
- Passwords and authentication. Require employees to use unique passwords and change passwords every three months. Consider implementing multifactor authentication that requires additional information beyond a password to gain entry. Check with your vendors that handle sensitive data, especially financial institutions, to see if they offer multifactor authentication for your account.
The FCC’s Cybersecurity Hub has more information, including links to free and low-cost security tools.
Should you have any questions about business law, including employment law, cyber security, technology contracts and licensing, and other intellectual property protections, or any other law that may affect business, please contact Waltz, Palmer & Dawson, LLC at (847)253-8800 or contact us online.
Waltz, Palmer & Dawson, LLC is a full-service law firm with various areas of service to assist your business, including: Employment Law, Intellectual Property, Commercial Real Estate, Litigation and general Business Law services. Individual services include Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts, Probate, Guardianship, Divorce and Family Law, Collaborative Divorce & Mediation.
This article constitutes attorney advertising. The material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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