Cyber Risks and Liabilities - 5 Ways to Reduce Your Data Exposures

Cybersecurity threats and trends can change year over year as technology continues to advance at alarming speeds. It’s critical for organizations to reassess their data protection practices regularly and make achievable cybersecurity resolutions to help protect themselves from costly breaches:

1. Provide security training—Even the most robust and expensive data protection solutions can be compromised should an employee click a malicious link or download fraudulent software. It’s critical for organizations to thoroughly train personnel on common cyber threats and how to respond. Employees should also know your cybersecurity policies and know how to report suspicious activity. 

2.   Install strong anti-virus software and keep it updated—Outside of training your employees on the dangers of poor cybersecurity practices, strong anti-virus software is one of the best ways to protect your data. Organizations should conduct thorough research to choose software that’s best for their needs. Once installed, anti-virus programs should be kept up to date.

3. Instill safe web-browsing practices—Deceptive and malicious websites can easily infect your network, often leading to more serious cyber attacks. To protect your organization, employees should be trained on proper web usage and instructed to only interact with secured websites. For further protection, companies should consider blocking known threats and potentially malicious webpages outright.

4. Create strong password policies—Ongoing password management can help prevent attackers from compromising your organization’s password-protected information. You’ll want to create a password policy that requires employees to change their password on a regular basis, avoid using the same password for multiple accounts and use special characters. Long passphrases are becoming increasingly popular as well and may be a good option for your organization.

5. Get vulnerability assessments—The best way to evaluate your company’s data exposures is through a vulnerability assessment. Using a system of simulated attacks and stress tests, vulnerability assessments can help uncover entry points into your system. Following these tests, security experts can compile their findings and provide recommendations for improving network and data safety. 

One of the best ways for businesses to protect themselves against cyber exposures is with proper insurance. However, cyber liability insurance policies do not offer one-size-fits-all protection, and businesses need to keep some considerations in mind if they are to secure the right coverage.

Cyber insurance can be complex, and it’s critical to work with a qualified insurance broker. To learn more about your options, contact Apron Agencies, LLC. today at 504-834-9280.