Welcome to a new year, where we’re committed to making cybersecurity a top priority for your business in 2024. This time around, there are no excuses—we’re providing you with FREE tips and resources to kickstart your cybersecurity journey and build a robust defense against evolving threats.
Employee Training and Awareness
Invest time educating your employees about cybersecurity best practices. Conduct regular training sessions on recognizing phishing emails, creating strong passwords, and being cautious about sharing sensitive information. Building a cybersecurity-aware workforce is a cost-effective yet powerful way to enhance your security posture. We have many downloadable resources on our website that you can use and share with your team for free, like the following:
- Tips for Detecting a Phishing Email
- 5 Email Requests That Should Raise Red Flags
- Is This Your Password?
- 15 Ways to Protect Your Business From a Cyber Attack
- What to do if Your Password is Compromised
We even have an employee cybersecurity quiz you can give your employees to see where they are at in their cybersecurity knowledge to protect your business.
Regular Software Updates
Keep your systems fortified by ensuring all software, including operating systems and antivirus programs, is current. Regularly installing updates, particularly security patches, is a simple yet crucial step in maintaining a secure business environment.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Implementing MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts and is a security process in which a user is required to provide two or more forms of identification before being granted access to a system, application, or account. Many online services and platforms offer MFA for free. Encourage employees to enable MFA for their accounts, especially email and other critical business applications. This extra layer of authentication significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. We even provide a free Multi-Factor Authentication policy template to make implementation seamless.
Cyber Hygiene Best Practices
Enforce good cyber hygiene practices within your organization. Encourage employees to log out of accounts when not in use, secure physical access to devices, and regularly review and remove unnecessary access permissions. Consistent cyber hygiene practices contribute to a more secure business environment.
Backup and Recovery Planning
Regularly back up your business data and ensure that these backups are stored securely. Many cloud services offer free or low-cost storage options. In a cybersecurity incident, having a reliable backup ensures you can recover your critical data without succumbing to ransomware demands or data loss.
Secure Wi-Fi Networks
Ensure your business Wi-Fi network is fortified by setting up a strong password and using WPA3 encryption. Regularly update your Wi-Fi router firmware to patch vulnerabilities and prevent unauthorized access.
Cybersecurity Resource Utilization
Leverage free cybersecurity resources from reputable organizations, like the Government of Canada. Explore guides, toolkits, and resources for small businesses to enhance your understanding of cybersecurity best practices.
Regular Security Audits
Conduct regular internal security audits using free online tools and guides. Our cybersecurity checklists for non-profits and small businesses are at your disposal to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Password Management Tools
Implement free password management tools to securely create and store complex passwords. These tools generate strong, unique passwords for each account and help users manage their login credentials more effectively. This practice is an easy win for enhancing password security across your organization. Our free Password Management policy template makes enhancing password security across your organization easy.
Collaborate with Industry Forums
Join free industry forums and online communities where small businesses share cybersecurity insights. Engaging with peers on platforms like the Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange (CCTX) and IT World Canada Community can provide valuable insights into emerging threats and best practices.
Utilize Built-in Security Features:
Take advantage of built-in security features in operating systems and applications. Features like Windows Defender for antivirus protection or built-in firewalls can provide a baseline level of security without additional costs. Regularly review and optimize these features to ensure they protect your systems effectively.
Make 2024 the year your business establishes a strong cybersecurity culture. With these FREE tips and resources, Teleco is here to support you every step of the way. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for more cybersecurity updates and insights. Let’s make your business cyber-resilient in the face of evolving threats. For additional assistance, talk to one of our experts today at sales@teleco.ca.
