Cybersecurity issues like data breaches and phishing are becoming more and more important – especially when it comes to B2B businesses.
As so many companies have moved online during the past year, the stakes of getting your data stolen are as high as never before.
Therefore, it is key to discuss some ways to help your company prevent cybersecurity crimes like data breaches or phishing.
What are data breaches?
B2B companies are usually the ones that store large amounts of data – on their products, customers, employees, etc.
Therefore, all of this information is prone to data breaches.
Data breaches occur when a hacker breaks into those databases and leaks the information stored in them – be it IP addresses, passwords, bank information, etc.
A key thing to remember here is that even in most databases, passwords are encrypted. There are ways to work around the encryption.
Therefore, you should never use the same password on more than one website to avoid becoming a victim of further cybersecurity crimes.
What are phishing emails?
Phishing emails are probably the most common cybersecurity crime.
Think about it – whether it was your work or your email, you have probably received at least one or two phishing emails so far.
What all of them have in common:
- They are seemingly credible. You may get an email from another company with their logo and credentials attached, making it look like a completely legit email.
- You are asked to follow a certain link or provide specific information. In a very professional way, the sender of a phishing email would encourage you to click on a link attached or reply with some personal information.
- A sense of urgency. Usually, you are advised to reply to an email as soon as possible to avoid any problems.
The sole goal of phishing emails is to acquire your data. Therefore, you have to be cautious and protect your personal information from potential criminals.
Once you get suspicious that an email you received may be a phishing one, delete it immediately and change your email password.
How to prevent data breaches and phishing?
While businesses in nearly any sector can become victims of data breaches and phishing, some things can be done to prevent these cybercrimes.
To stay safe and secure online, follow these steps:
- Invest in powerful cybersecurity software for your company. That includes antivirus software, secure VPNs (a virtual private network), password managers, and more.
- If an email seems suspicious, delete it. Moreover, inform your colleagues about potential phishing attacks.
- Turn off your devices after finishing working with them. That’ll prevent hackers from installing malware to your computer or any other device.
- Set up encryption to your USB flash drives.
- On the company level – create a team that’ll be responsible for dealing with cybersecurity issues.
- Inform your teams about potential cybersecurity threats.
- Delete any sensitive information from your device once you no longer need it.