Six Critical Tips for Preventing a Data Breach

six critical tips for preventing a data breach

To get targeted for a data breach is almost inevitable for any organization – or any individual. As long as cyber criminals can steal personal information, including credit card and Social Security numbers, they’ll go after you.

What are some of the most important tips for preventing a data breach?

  1. Don’t use the same login credentials for multiple sites. As discussed in this recent article from CIO, if hackers steal your password from one site, they (or the people they sell your credentials to) will attempt to reuse it on other accounts, even for years to come.
  2. Rely on multiple layers of authentication. For example, two-factor authentication for emails, social media sites, and other accounts require not only passwords but further verification of your identity, usually via phone. Even if cyber criminals somehow get hold of your username and password, they’re still thwarted by the additional layer of defense.
  3. Keep your computing devices up-to-date. Updates often contain patches for security holes. Outdated software, and older machines and systems, usually remain vulnerable to a number of threats.
  4. Safeguard all your devices and channels. Installing anti-malware programs and firewalls on all devices is essential. So is encrypting communication of sensitive data. Don’t forget to cover all hardware in your network, including digital security cameras, sensors, and other Internet of Things devices.
  5. Rely on network monitoring. Unusual levels of traffic, suspicious login patterns, and other strange activities can indicate a breach. If you catch them early on, you’re more likely to block a data breach or minimize its damage.
  6. Practice vigilant computer habits. Cyber criminals will try to trick you into disclosing information; often, they’ll do this by pretending to be a reputable individual or organization. Always think twice before downloading attachments or clicking on links in an email. If you receive a request for sensitive information, verify the source and double-check with colleagues and supervisors. Draw up enforceable policies for safe computing habits.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for additional advice and assistance. We’re happy to help you strengthen your cyber security defenses and prevent a devastating data breach.

Computer Security: Don’t Use The Same Password For Multiple Accounts

computer security don t use the same password for multiple accounts

For the sake of convenience, many people like reusing the same password across multiple accounts. The password that gives them access to their email may also be the same one they rely on for social media, online banking, work-related tasks, or recreational activities. That is not smart computer security.

computer security

What they sometimes don’t realize is that if any one of these accounts gets compromised in a data breach, hackers will have the ability to use the password for multiple personal accounts, inflicting a broader violation on privacy and security.

That’s why our computer security tip of the day is a warning against using the same password for multiple accounts.

Computer security tips you should know!

How does Yahoo help illustrate this important point?

Recently, Yahoo announced that a massive cyber attack compromised data from more than a billion accounts. (Yes, a billion.) The attack, which took place in 2013, is a record-breaker, and it’s alarming that a few years passed without public knowledge of such an extensive breach in security.

The attack didn’t affect all Yahoo users in the same way. It also isn’t clear at this point what information got exposed from which accounts. However, hackers were able to get at data that included names, birthdays, passwords, and security questions.

Anyone who hasn’t updated their Yahoo password, and who uses the same one for multiple sites, is especially at risk. A similar vulnerability can arise for any password security questions that get repeated across sites.

Be sure to review your accounts and update your passwords, as necessary, not only to make them more complex but also to correct for repetition. For additional advice on coming up with strong passwords and managing them effectively, don’t hesitate to contact us.