When talking to #BoardMembers and #SeniorManagement we keep coming across the 'budget issue' as a deterrent to improving their company's #Cybersecurity.
As a board member, you play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of your organization.
With cyber threats constantly evolving, it's more important than ever to stay ahead of the game and take steps to protect your company's sensitive information and financial assets.
But what if we told you that improving cybersecurity doesn't have to cost a fortune? There are many simple and free steps that can be taken to enhance the security posture of your organization. Here's a list for board members, detailing 10 easy and effective ways to improve cybersecurity for your organization:
Use Strong, Unique Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication Ensure that all employees use strong and unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication for all critical accounts. This will provide an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.
Keep Software and Systems Up-to-Date Keep all software and systems updated with the latest security patches and updates. This helps to address known security vulnerabilities and prevent potential attacks.
Regularly Back Up Important Data Implement a regular backup schedule for all critical data, such as financial records, client information, and important documents. This will ensure that your organization can quickly recover in the event of a security breach.
Educate Employees on Safe Internet Habits and Phishing Scams Provide regular training sessions for employees on safe internet habits, such as recognizing phishing scams, avoiding public Wi-Fi, and using strong passwords.
Enable Browser Security and Privacy Features Ensure that all employees use browsers with security and privacy features enabled, such as HTTPS, pop-up blockers, and cookie controls.
Encrypt Communication for Sensitive Information Use encrypted communication, such as virtual private networks (VPNs) or encrypted email services, to transmit sensitive information.
Limit Personal Information Shared Online Train employees to limit the amount of personal information they share online, such as full name, address, and payment information.
Stay Informed About Security Threats and Updates Stay informed about the latest security threats and updates by subscribing to security blogs, attending conferences, and participating in online forums.
Turn Off Unused Services on Devices and Routers Turn off unused services and features on devices and routers to reduce the attack surface and improve security.
Periodically review your user list and remove obsolete user accounts Regularly review user accounts and disable any obsolete accounts that are no longer in use. This helps to prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of security breaches.
Investing in cybersecurity is not just about protecting sensitive information and financial assets, it is also about maintaining the reputation and trust of your organization. Board members, take the time to implement these simple and free steps to improve the cybersecurity posture of your organization.