How to Protect My Workplace Following the SolarWinds Hack
It seems like the business world has been inundated with news of companies having their computer network system hacked and private data stolen by cybercriminals. The latest security breach of note is the SolarWinds hack, which has business leaders taking a closer look at their own cybersecurity practices and determining if it’s enough protection for their own sensitive materials. A breach of this nature will leave your business susceptible to major financial losses.
In the end, the task of minimizing the risk of your computer network system being hacked is challenging. But it can be accomplished with smart cybersecurity measures.
What Is the SolarWinds Hack?
SolarWinds is an Austin-based company that develops computer software that monitors all actions on a business’s network system. Hackers infiltrated the company’s software update by inserting a malware virus that was downloaded by subscribers. This caused a massive breach to private companies of all sizes and local, state, and federal government agencies as well. The comprised has made a major impact on our lives, but accessing the damage in the aftermath is still ongoing.
Limit Outside Computer Devices Inside the Workplace
All businesses must take into account the high risk of being hacked from outside sources. The most logical starting point is limiting the number of outside computer devices connected to your company’s network. Usually, they’re the porthole to malicious software infiltration by cybercriminals. It might be wise to limit your employees from using their own computer devices at the workplace. Those devices may have malware or a virus already installed, which could infect your network.
More companies are installing anti-virus protection software that blocks all work computer devices from visiting suspicious websites. Plus, you may want to block access to USB ports on all workplace computer devices as well. These measures will limit access to your network system. Hackers use these ports of entry to exploit your company’s online security vulnerabilities and steal information away unnoticed. It is your responsibility to close this gap.
Periodical Changes to Workplace Passwords, Lock Code and Encryption
Rarely do employees change their workplace passwords, but that puts your company’s network in jeopardy of being hacked by cybercriminals. Unless you have taken the necessary steps to protect your company’s data, then you must consider the information to be under threat at all times.
The best course of action is to require your employees to periodically change their workstation passwords throughout the fiscal year. Also, change the requirements for creating a valid password as well. It could be a combination of upper and lower case letters, numerals, and other characters. Plus, have your IT department set all workplace devices on a lock code after an extended period of inactiveness. Also, place a sophisticated encryption code for access to your data cloud storage area on the network. All of these protocols protect sensitive materials and private data from being breached by hackers.
Cybersecurity is a major concern for all businesses. In today’s techno-driven workplaces, hackers can take over your company’s network and gain access to your business’s highly classified data and halt your daily operations. The key to preventing such actions from occurring is protecting your workplace with strict guidelines.
