Aside from generating traffic and leads for your business, one prominent factor business owners should never overlook is cyber security. Many startups and small organizations don’t have the luxury of establishing a dedicated IT team because of the costs. Therefore, they often hire a freelance IT consultant or a shared service provider. 

The latter is usually more affordable and can be more flexible. However, there are more dangers to this type of business model, particularly in terms of data security. Fortunately, in this article, you’ll learn the fundamental reasons for data breaches so you can catch them quickly and avoid your site getting hacked.

Lack of Cyber Security Awareness

Many companies don’t have the expertise or capabilities to establish their own IT team. As a result, they often hire a freelance IT consultant or a shared service provider. When hiring an IT consultant, there are a few key things to ensure that you’re hiring a reliable individual that won’t hack into your systems. 

First, check their references and conduct a thorough background check. Next, ask them questions about their experience working with similar systems to yours and what precautions they take to prevent hacking. Finally, trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is.

Unsecured WiFi Networks

Many businesses opt for installing their WiFi networks because of the convenience of providing fast internet access to employees and customers. In addition, there are lower costs associated with installation and maintenance, as well as increased control over the network’s security.

However, unsecured WiFi networks can be a source of severe security breaches and also result in compliance problems. The most common means hackers use to gain access to your network is a wireless network scanner or sniffer to scan for unsecured wireless networks. 

From there, cybercriminals can attack the computers connected to that network or gain access to the network itself and use it to store illegal files or launch attacks on other networks.

To prevent these types of breaches, ensure that all your wireless devices are password protected and that you have a process for remotely wiping data from lost or stolen devices.

Malware Attacks

Have you checked if all software installed on your business computers is safe? You might not think about it, but suspicious software is the primary reason for the spread of malware. If a malware attack has already hit your business, here are the steps you can follow:

  • Disconnect your computers from the internet.
  • Disconnect all external devices.
  • Back up your data.
  • Erase your hard drive.
  • Reinstall your operating systems.

Employee Error

Employees need to be adequately educated on how to handle sensitive information. They also need to be aware of the potential consequences of their actions. Data breaches can have severe implications for both the company and the individual employees involved. Employees not adequately trained in handling sensitive information are more likely to make mistakes that could lead to a data breach.

Final Thoughts

You should never underestimate the value of data security, especially when it comes to sensitive information. In today’s digital age, hackers are becoming more sophisticated and persistent in their efforts to access confidential data. That’s why it’s essential to take measures to protect your data from unauthorized access. 

Aura Advanced Technologies is an innovative IT company you can trust for high-quality and reliable data security services. Get in touch with us today!

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