If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the climbing number of cybercrimes and attacks year after year, you’re not alone.
Cybercrimes cost the world nearly $600 billion a year – that is 0.8% of the global GDP.
Although this statistic seems scary there are practical ways to protect your business from cybercriminals and minimize attacks heading into the new year.
How do you avoid getting hacked in 2022?
Enhanced Email Security
Email is your business’s most vulnerable attack surface.
In fact, 90% of all cyberattacks start with email.
. Here are a few steps to take:
- Configure Office 365 Advanced Security Policies – Just as the security landscape is ever-changing, so are email security policies. Download our Office 365 checklist to ensure you are following the best practices and limiting your exposure.
- DMARC – DMARC stands for domain-based message authentication, reporting and conformance. It is an email authentication policy protocol that is helpful to have in place to verify all senders and receivers and see if any bad actors are sending emails using your domain. Learn more about DMARC here.
- AI Email Monitoring – Artificial Intelligence tools such as machine learning-based monitoring software can now help detect and scan incoming emails for attacks and fraudulent activity.
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
An MDM is security software that can monitor and secure endpoints, such as smartphones, and is utilized by employees for business-related purposes. An MDM creates more productivity and enhances cost savings within your organization.
To avoid hackers in 2022 and keep your data as safe as possible, create a mobile device management policy for your organization and use an MDM tool, like Microsoft Intune.
Cyber Liability Insurance
Is your business protected with cyber liability insurance?
At the start of this year, have an in-depth conversation with your insurance agent to ensure that you are covered for social engineering, phishing and invoice manipulation. Also, make sure to ask what kind of policies you need to have in place, such as, multi-factor authentication, administrative controls, security awareness training, etc. to be underwritten.
For a full checklist of items to discuss with your agent click here.
Multi-factor Authentication
We stress MFA all the time because it is a simple added layer of security that many people forget about. Make sure that you have it enabled for all of your accounts including social media! If you need help implementing it, reach out to our team here.
Create a Security-Aware Company Culture
Culture is crucial to the success of any company.
Creating a cybersecurity-first culture with owners and managers leading the charge will enhance the overall security of your business. After all, it’s the business leaders’ necks on the line if anything bad happens! Before heading into 2022, make sure to get a few dates on the calendar for cybersecurity awareness training sessions.
For additional resources and help with how to avoid getting hacked, click here.