Cybersecurity becomes more important with each passing day, as advancements in both technology and the methods used to hack into it continuously evolve. But while the tech world continues to move ahead at a fast pace, not all business leaders are able to keep up. Though they may have a basic understanding of how to keep their technology and data safe, they may not be aware of all the various strategies they could employ to improve their cybersecurity efforts.
To help, eight members of Young Entrepreneur Council discuss several cybersecurity “checkups” companies should be conducting on a regular basis to ensure their data and tech are secure and why these efforts are so vital to the ongoing success of any business.
Young Entrepreneur Council members discuss cybersecurity checkups all businesses should conduct.
Photos courtesy of the individual members.
1. Vulnerability And Penetration Testing
There isn’t one single checkup that is better than others. Managing your cybersecurity should be a holistic and ongoing process to do your best to keep things safe from all angles. If I had to recommend one type of “checkup,” it would be vulnerability and penetration testing. Technically, these are two types of tests, but they provide significant coverage that will help you better manage security. That said, there are a number of ways to do vulnerability and penetration testing depending on your infrastructure and current security posture. At a high level, performing regular tests—and resolving any remediation items that come out of these tests—will save you some headaches when it comes to security. – Oscar Moncada, Stratus10 Cloud Computing Services, Inc.
2. IoT Security Checkups
I think companies should be conducting Internet of Things (IoT) security checkups regularly. Technology has made it easier for us to elevate our productivity and acknowledge exponential growth, but there’s a flip side to everything. The evolution of technology has not only helped us grow, but it has also made us susceptible to a variety of contemporary cybersecurity threats that we never experienced before. Since IoT has left us open to diverse vulnerabilities, it’s essential that we diagnose our infrastructure for potential loopholes daily. This would help us prevent any malicious attacks caused by security exploits and vulnerabilities. – Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms
3. Software Updates
If you want to do a regular cybersecurity checkup, I recommend making sure your security software and features are all up to date. Technology changes fast, with new exploits cropping up every day. If your tools are not up to date, company and customer data may be at risk. I check our software for updates one to two times a week, and we’ve always had a good handle on our cybersecurity. – John Turner, SeedProd LLC
4. Malware And Web Proxy Protection Checkups
Among the cybersecurity checkups companies should conduct regularly, I would recommend malware and web proxy protection checkups to ensure that their data and tech are secure. New and smarter malware emerges daily, so companies should conduct daily runs and checkups to provide protection and note that automatic updates are strictly implemented to ensure 24/7 security. Anti-phishing, SQL Injection scans and anti-spam checkups are a close second as the next layer of cybersecurity protection companies should conduct daily. – Brian David Crane, Spread Great Ideas
5. Phishing Simulations
In the age of digitalization, many businesses have shifted their operations online. While this can provide several advantages, it also creates new cybersecurity risks. Hackers are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, and companies must be proactive in their defense. One way to do this is to conduct regular cybersecurity “checkups.” These checkups can help identify potential weaknesses and take steps to mitigate them. Businesses can perform many different types of checkups, but a crucial one is phishing simulation. This checkup can help identify employees who may be susceptible to phishing attacks and provide training on how to avoid these attacks. By conducting regular cybersecurity checkups, businesses can help ensure that their data and tech are secure. – Michael Garrido, E-Valve Technologies
6. User Access Checks
One of the top reasons for data breaches is not having a smart access control measure. Companies should pay close attention to who is accessing their data and systems around the clock. An intrusion detection system can function optimally when it’s coupled with access control management. It is common for hackers to gain access to a system and its data via employee accounts, as not all employees are equally knowledgeable about hacking and cybersecurity. Companies should implement a standard operating procedure for implementing best security practices such as regular password changes, two-factor authentication, user authentication and authorized access. Further, regular system updates are recommended for dealing with potential threats. – Kelly Richardson, Infobrandz
7. Password Changes
In my experience, requiring employees to change their passwords regularly is an excellent way to maintain your cybersecurity plan. If someone’s account is compromised, you don’t want to put sensitive data at risk. Frequently changing passwords means hackers will have to work much harder to breach an employee’s account, which can help your team keep data safe and secure. – John Brackett, Smash Balloon LLC
8. Risk Assessment Tests
One cybersecurity checkup businesses should conduct is a risk assessment test. Your goal is to discover vulnerable parts of your website and software, which are bound to change after new updates. Regular testing ensures you can patch potential risks before they cause an issue while creating a well-rounded, safe experience for your customers. – Chris Christoff, MonsterInsights
