For any business to be successful, its security is of paramount importance. Security refers not only to physical security, alarms, and cameras; cyber security is also vital.
Nowadays, businesses generate heaps of data, and keeping that information is necessary. Because of the internet, businesses from across the world can access all marketplaces, increase their client base and work efficiently with the help of computer-based tools. This requires cloud computing, maintaining a website, or sending an email. Digital business activities are at risk of cyberattacks. Hence, no matter which tool you use, you should not ignore cyber security.
Every business using the internet can only achieve and enhance the confidence of shareholders and customers if there is a culture of information privacy and security. Cyber thefts have even surpassed physical thefts in today’s world, becoming a significant threat to businesses. Businesses need a proper cyber security strategy to protect their customers and business data from digital theft. Below are six technological security products for business owners to consider that will protect their businesses from cybercrimes.
1. Antivirus software
Investing in antivirus software will pay you off. Free versions of antivirus software can get you basic security features, but you’re better off investing in paid versions.
Several antivirus products can help protect you from cyber security issues and also our business’s data. For instance, OfficeScan will cover the security gaps present in your network from endpoint access and user activity. By using machine learning, it will adapt to your security environment, and in case of any threats in the network, it will directly share info with the IT team. It shows web reputation scores to ensure you are using safe resources.
2. Endpoint detection and response
EDR, known as endpoint detection and response, is a cyber-security tool. It checks laptops and phones, i.e., endpoints, in real-time to detect threats. It prevents threats at the very point of entry and continuously tracks system processes and files that run on these endpoints.
To increase the security levels, VPNs are also used. VPNs can detect advanced threats such as ransomware and malware. With its help, administrators can allow only laptops or mobile devices to access the network. They can even decide from where these devices can access the network. VPNs encrypt the data streams in a device, thus adding protection. So if employees use EDR on their mobiles, they can connect to a public Wi-Fi without any security threat.
3. Next-generation firewalls (NGWF)
Next-generation firewall or NGFW uses new filtering capabilities along with traditional firewall technology. It keeps a check on the incoming and outgoing network traffic. Firewalls can block some specific actions on a network if it detects a threat, using its deep packet inspection or advanced analysis. It can also block malware from entering your network.
It also creates a whitelist of safe applications. Firewalls are easy to use and install because they do not interfere to a great extent with daily tasks and operations. These are also not very expensive. Many businesses adopt it as their primary defense against cyber threats. Good next-generation firewalls can reduce your exposure to cyber threats by 50%.
4. Domain name service (DNS) protection
Domain name service protection can block dangerous, even suspicious, sites, giving extra protection to the employees. Employees can use it to connect to internal applications, the cloud, or the internet. It is crucial to protect communication with different sites in the early stages, no matter what type of device is communicating. This protects all data on your network from other networks.
With the help of DNS, speakers can find out if they are communicating with a redirected or hijacked network. A good DNS prevents clients from communicating with ransom sites, malware sites, and malvertising links. DNS maps out the IP address of harmful sites to a NAME|URL|URI, thus protecting data from getting stolen by these common cybercrime practices.
5. Secure email gateways
Sometimes, ransom attacks and malware attacks take place through emails. The purpose of using email for such attacks is to get malicious code into the system of any organization. This is where email gateway security steps in. A secure email gateway lays the foundation of a strong cyber security posture for your business. Secure email gateways can serve as either cloud services or local systems. A good email security system is the one with the ability to detect malicious URLs, fraudulent emails, embedded code, and phishing; and also prevents any access to these threats.
But safe usage of email is also reliant on employee training. Employees must be attentive and aware. Even a single careless click of one employee might cause a serious security threat for a business.
6. Cloud-based security
Businesses can easily transfer their data to the cloud without integrating their infrastructure or internal teams. This way, they can have security solutions at enterprise levels. Cloud-based solutions are inexpensive and can be quickly and easily installed and used. It requires no software or hardware to deploy. Cloud-based solutions can, yet, still suffer from some cyber-attacks. You should ask your cloud provider to give the maximum level of protection. Also, make sure that the cloud storage is compliant according to the rules.
Conclusion
It has become easier to expand your business and connect with larger audiences with advancements in technology. Nowadays, all businesses have websites to sell their products and interact with consumers. This generates large amounts of data that need protection. Technological advancements come with a price, and in this case, it’s cybercriminals trying to steal your data. This article mentions a few tech solutions to keep crucial business information safe. Deploy these to maintain your reputation in the digital marketplace and prevent your business from tanking.