BusinessTechnology

Defending your Startup Against Cyber Attacks

Every week that passes, a new business gets attacked successfully by hackers. Since the widespread adoption of the internet in the last decade, cases of privacy breaches have soared. Startups are getting attacked more frequently by hackers because of higher certainty in receiving financial remuneration.

Startups are estimated to have more attacks than big firms. This is because entrepreneurs fix most of their attention on breaking into the market and are more concerned about business deals. The lack of focus on the cybersecurity end of the business leaves business data susceptible to hackers.

Different Methods used by Hackers to Attack New Businesses

 

  1. Phishing

Phishing attacks are facilitated through bogus emails and websites pretending to be legitimate sources. An email containing a link to a fake website will be sent to a key employee in the business to steal the worker’s login credentials.

  1. Ransomware

Ransomware is considered one of the most dangerous forms of malicious software. It is designed to lock a user’s access from a computer. The message displayed following a ransomware attack usually asks for money before restoring the user’s access to the computer.

In some cases, companies get their data wiped even after paying the ransom.

  1. Data Leaking

Data leaks happen once a firm’s data gets spied on by a hacker. It could result from a router attack, an employee using hacked public Wi-Fi, or through the internet.

Data Leakage

Preventing your Startup’s Data from Getting Lost to Hackers

 

  1. Organize Seminars for Employees

You need to educate your workers to identify cyber threats. Before any form of a privacy breach can happen, it needs human action. A big percentage of cyber-attacks on small and medium businesses were perpetrated by deceiving employees.

Train your employees on how to spot suspicious emails and links. Organize these seminars periodically so they can keep up with modern cybersecurity trends.

  1. Buy a Business VPN

Simply put, a Virtual Private Network is a tool that primarily ensures the privacy of your internet traffic. It protects your data from data miners, hackers, and even the government.

If you run a startup, you’ll most likely have an online workplace. Buying this tool for your employees will make sure they never run the risk of having their login credentials stolen when connecting to your office’s remote workplace.

VPNs also benefit your company in the sense that if your employees travel to regions with strict internet laws, they’d be able to bypass geo-restrictions and connect to their online workplace. Installing a VPN router for your office is cheap and considered an effective way to protect your startup’s data.

  1. Update your Software

Utilizing outdated software is a surefire way to get your business’s data compromised. Cybercriminals are always working to find loopholes in software. They’re typically successful with older software and use this opportunity to sneak ransomware into a computer.

By updating your operating system and software immediately you get a pop-up, you’ll significantly reduce your chances of being attacked by ransomware. Although some software updates may not contain new features for the program, they always come with improved security.

Final Thoughts

 

Cyber-attacks have increased to neck-breaking levels and they’re majorly attacking business startups. Many startups hardly bounce back from cyber-attacks. Hence, the need to prevent data breaches escalates.

To stop hackers from getting your data to make sure you train your employees, use a VPN, and update your software.

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Brad Smith

Brad Smith is a technology expert at TurnOnVPN, a non-profit promoting a safe and free internet for all. He writes about his dream for a free internet and unravels the horror behind big techs.

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