Did you know that October was actually Cyber Security Awareness month? In honor of that, today we want to provide our customers with simple steps to boost your cyber security!
In today’s world, the threat of cyberattacks is more real than ever. It’s not just tech giants that need to worry; businesses of all sizes and individuals at home are at risk too. The numbers are staggering: in the last year alone, there has been a 105 percent surge in ransomware cyberattacks. But don’t worry, our team at Micrologic is here to help you navigate these tricky waters and keep your data safe.
Understanding the Rise in Cyber Threats
Cyber threats have been on the rise, and it’s important to understand why. The digital age brings tons of benefits, but it also comes with risks. Cybercriminals are getting smarter and more sophisticated, constantly evolving their tactics to exploit our online activities. January 2024 saw a drop in known records breached compared to December 2023, but over 1.6 billion records were compromised during that period. These staggering numbers show how crucial it is to stay vigilant.
The 12 most common cyber attacks are:
- Malware
- Denial of service (DoS) attacks
- Phishing
- Spoofing
- Identity-based attacks
- Code-injected attacks
- Supply chain attacks
- Social engineering attacks
- Insider threats
- DNS tunneling
- IoT-based attacks
- AI-powered attacks
As we adopt more technology in our daily lives, we open up more opportunities for cybercriminals to strike. Understanding this dynamic helps us appreciate the importance of keeping our digital spaces secure.
Why Device-Based Security Is Important
In our tech-filled lives, the number of devices we use is skyrocketing. Statista predicts that by 2025, there will be around 75 billion connected devices in use worldwide. That’s a whole lot of gadgets to keep track of! From smartphones and tablets to smart TVs and even smart fridges, each device can be a potential target for hackers.
Hackers are always looking for easy ways to get into your network, and an unsecured device can be just the entry point they need. That’s why it’s so important to make sure every device you use has strong security measures in place. Think of it like locking all the doors and windows in your house, not just the front door.
Making sure your devices are secure might sound like a big task, but it’s easier than you think. Start by regularly updating your device software, as updates often include important security patches. Also, using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication can help.
So, even though you’ve got a lot of devices, taking small steps to secure each one can make a big difference in keeping your data safe.
How Micrologic Can Protect Your Business
You might be wondering, “How can I possibly keep track of all these threats?” That’s where Micrologic steps in. We offer comprehensive solutions that actively monitor and block potential intrusions. For instance, a customer using ProtectIQ with about 2,300 subscribers managed to block 19,114 intrusions, 565 web threats, and 449 viruses just in the last 30 days. Our services are designed to shield your business from threats, home internet connection from being hacked and ensuring peace of mind so you can focus on what truly matters.
With our help, you don’t have to be a tech expert to keep your business safe. We offer easy-to-use tools and solutions that fit your specific needs. Whether it’s real-time threat monitoring, regular system updates or personalized security advice, we’ve got you covered. Our team of experts is always on hand to provide support and answer any questions you might have.
We believe in making cyber security simple and accessible for everyone. Protecting your data doesn’t have to be a headache with Micrologic on your side.
Simple Steps You Can Take Today
You don’t need to be a tech whiz to boost your cyber security! Start with some simple steps that can make a big difference.
First off, make sure all your devices and software are up-to-date. Those annoying updates? They often include important fixes to security holes that hackers love to exploit.
Next, get serious about your passwords. Use strong, unique passwords for each account. If you’re like most of us and can’t keep track of a million passwords, a password manager can be a lifesaver. Also, don’t forget to enable two-factor authentication. It adds an extra step to your login process, but it’s worth the hassle to keep hackers out.
Be on the lookout for phishing scams. If an email looks fishy, it probably is. Double-check the sender’s address and avoid clicking on any suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. A quick verification can save you from a lot of trouble.
Another handy tip: back up your data regularly. In case something does go wrong, having a backup means you won’t lose all your important files. External hard drives and cloud services are both good options for this.
Finally, secure your Wi-Fi. Change the default settings on your router, use a strong password, and consider setting up a guest network for visitors. This keeps your main network safer from intrusions. These steps might seem small, but they add up to a stronger defense against cyber threats.
The Importance of Employee Awareness
If you’re running a business, your team at work is one of your best defenses against cyber threats, so it’s super important to make sure everyone knows the basics of cyber security. Start with regular training sessions where you can keep everyone up-to-date on the latest threats and best practices. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—just clear, simple information that everyone can understand.
Show your team how to spot phishing emails and explain why they should never share passwords. Make it a habit to remind them that if something feels off, it probably is, and encourage them to report any suspicious activity right away.
The goal is to make cyber security second nature to everyone in your organization. When everyone is aware and proactive, it makes it that much harder for hackers to find a way in. So, invest a little time in employee awareness and you’ll be building a strong frontline defense against cyber threats.
Below are some free resources to help keep your home and business safe.
Watch animated videos about how to stay safe online: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-BF3N9rHBLJjjiMk-sjhfoRZObMhBNYr
OR
Download the 4 Easy Ways to Stay Safe Online Guide:
Call us today to speak to a security consultant who can look at your current internet security measures, make recommendations and provide you with the security measures you need!
We can tailor all of our internet, security and phone services into a system designed specifically for your office or home. Call us at 888-651-8431 to learn more!