This month we explored the Dark Web, how it is used, and how to stay safe from cyberthreats caused by the information on the Dark Web. When it comes to protecting your business, planning ahead is a must. There are a lot of tools that exist to help protect businesses, but many are left on the table. Just a few tools can make a big difference.
Dark Web Monitoring
Dark Web Monitoring is one of many steps in a multi-stage process to keep your business secure from cyber criminals. Being aware of what information hackers have on your business can help to watch against malicious threat actors that use that information. Using a Dark Web Monitor can also help you to act quickly when passwords are compromised. Being able to change information before malicious actors can do anything harmful with it can keep you ahead of the game. Considering that most breaches are not discovered for an average of 6 to 7 months, stopping a breach before it can start makes a big difference!
A well-rounded monitoring tool will alert you to any new information that comes up in the dark web. Having a process that your company follows in the face of any new information is critical for ensuring proper action against new threat actors. Teach employees about the Dark Web and encourage them to stay invested in protecting their data online.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Dark Web monitoring shouldn’t be your only tool for protecting your business. Something as simple as multi-factor authentication (MFA) can help to keep compromised passwords from being acted on. MFA requires a secondary form of proof of identity beyond a password. If a hacker gets a password, they will be prompted for a code or biometric to log in. Though some users consider it a hassle, the data shows that MFA can stop a password-based crime in its tracks. Considering that 80% of breaches are through human error, most often relating to stolen credentials, that’s a huge advantage for your business!
Most businesses have adopted some form of MFA for clients to use. These settings are not usually enforced initially. Take the time to check your settings and set up MFA where possible. While email, security questions, and text messages work, QR codes that store on your phone are the most secure. Hackers are finding work-arounds to get MFA codes from users, so be aware of the process your software use. If you get a call asking for a code, then it’s probably a hacker!
Password Managers
One of the most dangerous things you may do is use weak passwords and then share them between accounts. In the face of a breach, shared passwords can lead to devestating breaches of information. Password managers simplify the process by creating strong and unique passwords and remembering them for you. It reduces the number of passwords you have to remember from in the hundreds to one or two. Additionally, password managers can store MFA codes for easy access, or securely hold other sensitive information. Some things they protect are security codes, credit card numbers, and other personally identifiable information.
A Big Job
Protecting your business is a big job. These are just a few of a long list of tools you should be using to keep your business safe. Thus, its a lot for one IT person to take care of all by themselves. Intuitive IT offers a large variety of services, including a team that can help to take on some of the heavy burden of managing the cybersecurity for a whole company. If your IT person is overwhelmed by the amount of work and responsibility on their plate, or if you don’t have an IT person at all, then we may be able to help build out their toolbox. Contact us today to see how you can beef up your cybersecurity.
