A torn safety net will not do you much good.
The same can be said for your business cybersecurity plan
Attackers don’t simply stop looking for vulnerabilities at the edges of your screen – so your cybersecurity plan shouldn’t stop there, either.
To help you improve the safety nets and security systems for your business, our Hamilton experts have outlined four potentially forgotten areas of business hardware that may be hurting your cybersecurity:
1. Network and Router Vulnerabilities
Your network is vital to both the day-to-day operations of your business and to your cybersecurity. That means network vulnerabilities are often one of the first things an attacker will target. When your router isn’t configured properly, this initial line of defense can quickly become an easy-to-clear hurdle for an attacker.
Think of your router like a highway – information is constantly travelling through it.
Many routers will, by default, open all connection methods for information to travel back and forth, regardless of the weaknesses or dangers they may pose. That also means there are a variety of avenues for attackers to penetrate your defenses.
Setting up tighter restrictions on your router and firewall effectively blocks off these entryways.
If you need help with optimizing your router for higher security, consider contacting our team. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have, along with offering personalized support along the way.
2. Mobile Devices and Personal Device Policies
Working remotely or using your own device for your workday can look quite different from a typical in-office setup. While convenient, it is a best practice to implement strong security policies for all personal devices.
Here are a few essential elements you’ll need to consider:
• Acceptable use – What applications and information should employees be able to access with their personal devices?
• Minimum required security controls, including antivirus software, hardware updates, etc.
• Device documentation, including serial numbers.
• A response plan for lost, stolen or compromised devices (Data wiping, etc.).
• Ending data access for exiting employees.
• Accountability measures – if sensitive information is leaked due to negligence or misuse, how will your company respond?
3. Physical Security and Infrastructure
Yes, cybersecurity can – and should – include physical security too.
If nothing else, physical access to company devices and data needs to be monitored and logged. For starters, consider the security of your server room or its power supply. Easy access means anyone can factory reset, turn off or physically damage the routers, servers, power supply or other hardware crucial to your operations.
Just as you may secure important files with a locked cabinet or use company-only ID badges for entry, limiting the “who” and “how” factors for accessing devices with sensitive company data works to keep you secure.
This includes making sure that access codes and passwords for hardware like your router or computer are secured. A sticky note with the password near your device may be convenient in the moment, but it actively harms your cybersecurity.
4. Outdated or End-of-Life Technology
When your device is no longer able to receive the latest patches or updates, that may mean it’s reached the end of its life. Inconvenient, yes… but still important to monitor.
Wireless printers, routers, laptops and a number of other devices can all be subject to an ”end-of-life” stage. While it may be tempting to avoid spending extra on upgrades, the potential cost of a day, week or beyond of recovering from a cyber attack are far greater.
If you are unsure where to start, what to purchase, or how to setup new devices, you can contact the trusted experts at Hamilton to guide you to the most effective solution.
No matter your budget, team size, or what your current software and hardware setup looks like – strong cybersecurity is the foundation to a smooth day-to-day operation.
Getting started on boosting your security is as simple as one call with our team. We’ll discuss your goals, needs and current hurdles to set you up with a plan that is right for you.
Hamilton provides personalized support for a variety of areas within your business, from securing your data with data center services to 24x7x365 network monitoring to much, much more!
