What Your Business Needs To Be Doing To Defend Against Hackers

Cybercrime is estimated to cost businesses worldwide over $400 billion each year. Hackers are becoming more and more sophisticated in their attacks, and nearly all companies and corporations in the developed world have been put on high alert that any slippage in their online security could result in a leak of employee data or business secrets. Even small businesses should develop some sort of cybersecurity protocol—hacking attacks are gradually shifting from large businesses to smaller companies because they often have fewer safeguards in place. The following are a few ways for your business to defend itself against online attacks:

Use the Cloud to Your Advantage

Maintaining a server farm can be awfully expensive for a small business, but the most secure way to encrypt your business's data is to store in on the Cloud rather than in hardware. Storing applications and data in the Cloud, and with a reputable service provider, is one of the easiest ways to decrease your exposure to cybercrime.

Keep Computer Systems Updated

Keeping your network up to date ensures that the security systems already put in place by network providers and operating system providers will not be thwarted by out of date programs. Antivirus software, firewalls and web browsers are continuously updated in order to solve security issues and improve the level that they function on—these improvements are made irrelevant if you do not install them in your office computers.

Train Employees in Cybersecurity

The easiest way for a hacker to gain access to the company mainframe is through a weak point in company security. Even if the security is strong overall, an employee with a weak password or outdated online techniques can provide an inlet for an experienced hacker. Hiring a security consultant with a master's in criminal justice to train your employees on the tactics used by cyber criminals can go a long way towards promoting safe practices. Privacy training and a general explanation of when and how cybercrime can occur can curtail these lax behaviors by employees and give your business an extra layer of protection.

Hire an Online Security Expert

As computer-savvy as you are, no one can anticipate the paths taken by hackers better than a trained computer scientist. Security experts are capable of locating major issues and finding vulnerabilities in the system before hackers do, and their advice can prove invaluable for a mid-level business, even if the cost may seem high at first.

Self-imposed hacker security headaches can save businesses even more major headaches in the future. Hackers are becoming more sophisticated and more targeted in their attacks—it is important for even smaller companies to beef up their online security and understand the risks associated with conducting a business online.