10 Tips to Protect Your Business From Cybercrime |

With the global cost of cybercrime projected to reach $ 2 trillion by 2019 1 - three times more than originally forecast - there is no doubt that cybercriminals are thriving. However, no need to despair. There are steps you can take to protect your business and keep it prosperous. Here are 10 of the most vital actions to take.

“Cybercrime poses the greatest threat to all professions, industries, and businesses around the world. This was the solemn warning issued by Ginni Rometty, CEO of IBM 2. And, indeed, statistics ii speak for themselves.

• The global cost of cybercrime will reach $ 2 trillion by 2019, a figure three times higher than the $ 500 billion announced by experts in 2015 1

• Countries around the world spend more than $ 80 billion annually in the fight against cybercrime 1

• The cost of the theft of trade secrets is estimated at an annual amount of between $ 794 and $ 2,200 billion 1

• 50% of small and medium-sized businesses said they were victims of an attack within 12 months 1

• For these SMEs, the average cost of a data breach involving the theft of assets was $ 879,582, and an additional $ 955,429 was required to restore their business following the attack 1

These numbers alone are enough to worry, and rightly, any business executive. While these threats are real, it is nevertheless worth considering another remarkable statistic: 60% of employees of SMEs who suffered an attack used the same password for all their programs and platforms 1.

In other words, while no business is ever completely safe from criminals, most online attacks can be prevented by training and adopting the best security practices.

50% of SMEs said they had suffered a cyber attack in the past year

Cybercrime, as well as their perpetrators, have very different profiles: remote viral attack on your computer or mobile device, illicit access to sensitive company or employee data, financial fraud due to hacking into bank accounts.

Minor or major, these attacks are always extremely damaging for the company concerned. The costs of these attacks are many and varied: stolen funds, repairing damaged systems, paying penalties for the theft or loss of personal data. And for small and medium-sized businesses, these costs can be particularly serious.

How to Best Protect Your Business

1. Plan an anti-malware battle plan

Malware, or malicious software, is designed to infiltrate and/or damage your computer systems and terminals. To combat them, you need to install the latest updates of antivirus software and security programs. A powerful software package must offer you global protection: from risky websites to spam and hacker attacks.

2. Make sure your network is secure

Firewalls, anti-virus software, and close monitoring help fend off attacks

Effectively use firewalls, proxy servers, and access control lists. This is the first line of defense against an attack, and these tools are vital. Call on specialized computer scientists who have a perfect mastery of these technologies.

3. Set up a secure configuration

Keep an up-to-date inventory of all your computer hardware and software, and adopt a secure standard configuration for all your current and future equipment. Don't forget to change any default passwords.

4. Manage and monitor the use of all IT equipment and systems Make sure you protect all critical data

Keep an eye on who can access and use your systems, equipment, and information, and limit their access rights as much as possible. Verify that the assets are physically secure to prevent unauthorized access.

5. Reduce the risks associated with working at home or on a terminal

Make sure sensitive company data is encrypted when stored or sent online.

6. Limit the use of removable data Restrict access to your systems and information as much as possible

Especially USB keys, DVDs, CDs, or digital cards, and if you cannot do without these devices, make sure that they are physically protected and in good hands.

7. Create a well-defined policy

From websites employees can access and apps they can download to managers employees should contact with questions.

8. Establish strong passwords The strongest passwords contain letters, numbers, and special characters

The most effective passwords are not words but a random selection of letters, numbers, and special characters. Use secure password managers such as Dashlane to generate and secure your passwords, but also to reassure your employees if they forget them.

9. Safety must be a priority at all times

When you have an effective security system in place, be sure to perform regular testing and monitoring. Constantly train your employees in your new practices and make sure they are aware of the potential risks.

10. Sort through your software and equipment Before uninstalling any software, remember to erase sensitive information

Make sure that no sensitive information is saved in the software when you uninstall it.

Being aware of cybercrime is a crucial first step in ensuring your defense. And by taking these 10 important steps, you'll help protect your business and keep it running efficiently, securely, without downtime.