Now, with the power of computers, the internet, and contemporary technological advancements of all kinds, simple tasks can be automated, customers and clients can be contacted in whole new ways, and entire companies can be operated more efficiently than ever before.
Technology has a huge impact in many industries, especially the financial sector, where digital databases, state of the art analytical tools, social media marketing, and other modern innovations allow companies to grow and develop in bold new ways. However, new technologies also bring with them a whole host of new risks and threats.
In recent years, we’ve seen several cases of high-profile cyber attacks and data leaks, with more than 80% of companies being hacked on an annual basis. Hacking attacks can vary in severity, from the theft of data to large-scale leaks of employee and client information, and any attack can be devastating, especially if sensitive files fall into the wrong hands.
This is why so many modern businesses, especially those handling delicate financial data, need to take cybersecurity seriously, investing in tools and software packages to protect their company, their employees, and their clients too. Here are just some ways in which you can protect your financial company from the threat of cyber attacks.
Malware Protection
With cyber attacks becoming more of a problem for the finance sector, it’s never been more important to have strong, reliable anti-malware software installed throughout your systems. Thousands of new viruses and forms of malware are being developed and released on a daily basis, with hackers and malicious agents constantly coming up with new ways to break into devices and wreak havoc.
Some viruses are relatively harmless, but others can be devastating, giving hackers backdoor access to your entire network and letting them steal as much data as they please. Malware protection packages are one of the strongest lines of defense against this kind of attack, identifying threats and quarantining infected files to keep your company safe.
VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) is another useful option you might like to consider in an effort to level up your cybersecurity. For the uninitiated, a VPN essentially acts as an added layer of protection for your internet connections, encrypting each connection and making it impossible for hackers and trackers to spy on your activities.
Even internet service providers won’t be able to see what your devices are doing with a VPN installed, and it can be very useful if you have remote workers or employees who work on-the-go, connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks in locations like hotels, train stations, airports, and so on.
Network Firewall
One of the simplest and most straightforward steps you can take to upgrade your business’ digital security is to improve your network firewall. As the name implies, a firewall acts as a barrier, blocking access to your network and devices from would-be intruders.
Most systems make use of basic firewalls, but there are various ways to upgrade and enhance this protection for businesses. Investing in demilitarized zone (DMZ) servers is one possible option to consider, and be sure to check that your chosen firewall has packet filter technology to block and reject any potential hacking attempts.
Strong Passwords
It might sound simple, but one employee’s weak password could be all it takes for your company to get hacked and your data to be stolen. As well as investing in anti-malware and digital security tools, it’s important not to overlook the basics, and one of the most important basics of all is ensuring that employees always make use of strong, safe passwords.
Statistics show that close to 1 in 5 businesses have been compromised due to weak passwords, allowing hackers to quickly and easily access their accounts. Even with powerful security elsewhere, passwords can bring your entire cybersecurity system down. You can use password managers and generators to create strong passwords for employees, as well as organizing online security seminars to raise awareness among your workforce regarding the importance of using the best possible passwords.
Final Word
In this day and age, when so much work is done digitally and so many sensitive, important files are stored on computers and servers, any company wanting to compete and survive simply cannot afford to ignore online security. Follow the tips above to give your business the best possible chance of staying safe from hackers and preserving the files that matter the most.