Health isn’t just limited to our bodies. Everything from governments to companies to organizations can have health metrics.
We follow good hygiene, such as brushing our teeth every day, to maintain physical health. Computers and networks also require ongoing good hygiene practices to secure the online environment. Good cyber hygiene involves systems, controls, and redundant safety measures. These practices form the foundation of a strong cybersecurity defense. Unfortunately, everyone is at risk for cyber-attacks, although certain people such as high net worth individuals, corporate leaders, and retirees often have a bull’s-eye on them for cyber criminals.
When most businesses start, it falls on the owner, or maybe the office manager, to handle the IT decisions (among a million other responsibilities!). At the end of the day, they might just run down to the local big-box store, grab a computer with a home operating system that’s on sale, and call it good—without realizing the risk that decision creates for the business. Businesses must have robust, redundant systems in place to thwart the multitude of attack vectors that cyber gangs are utilizing to attack, ransom, and pillage businesses. It’s important to have an IT professional in your business’s corner to proactively evaluate and mitigate cyber attacks.
The need for someone to help companies both big and small build protections for their IT systems is how Send IT was born. In 2018, the family-owned company began serving a wide range of industries across the metroplex and Collin County—from title offices, to law firms, to private equity, to manufacturing, to Allen’s own Allen Animal Clinic. Send IT Solutions, founded by Bryce Washum, is a Dallas-based IT service provider proudly serving SMBs in the United States. They handle all IT operations for a business—from budgeting, to support, to project execution for business owners. Additionally, Bryce is a senior partner at Digital Privacy and Protection, LLC, a monthly service that helps families and individuals protect their cyber life at home.
Because it’s not just businesses that have a cyber health score. So do individuals. Whether you’re a business owner or executive or a retiree enjoying your glory years, you need good cyber health in your personal life.
Essential Hygiene: Four Keys to a Strong Defense
There are a few important things you can do to ensure healthy cyber safety at home.
1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a vital layer of security to all logins. In most cases, a hacker can't breach an account protected by MFA—even if the cyber crook has the password.
According to Microsoft, MFA can block 99.9 percent of attempted account compromise attacks. With that kind of track record, everyone should be using it on every login they have.
2. Strong Passwords and Password Managers
Passwords remain a critical aspect of securing online accounts. Despite the increased use of biometrics, passwords still rule.
Make sure you and your family use strong, unique passwords for each account. Avoid easily guessable information like birthdays or names. A password manager can help you generate and store complex passwords so you don’t have to remember them all.
3. Keep Devices Up to Date
Outdated software creates vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. Regularly update operating systems, applications, and device firmware. This ensures the latest security patches are in place and reduces your risk of attack.
4. Recognize and Report Phishing
Phishing attacks are a common vector for cyber threats. Teach your family to identify phishing emails, suspicious links, and unsolicited attachments. Encourage them to verify the sender's email address and never provide sensitive information unless they are certain of the recipient's authenticity.
Phishing via text messages and direct messages on social media platforms has been increasing significantly. Warn and educate vulnerable family members about these threats.
Helping Families and Businesses Put Cyber Hygiene in Place
Send IT can help families and businesses refocus on the significance of cybersecurity and prioritize essential cyber hygiene practices. Building a culture of cybersecurity awareness within your family and your business is important. It can be the difference between vulnerability and resilience.
For more information on securing your home or business network, reach out to Bryce via allen@senditsolutions.com.
Businesses must have robust, redundant systems in place to thwart the multitude of attack vectors that cyber gangs are utilizing to attack, ransom, and pillage businesses.
It’s not just businesses that have a cyber health score. So do individuals. Whether you’re a business owner or executive or a retiree enjoying your glory years, you need good cyber health in your personal life.