1. Security Assessment
It’s important to establish a baseline and close existing vulnerabilities. When was your last assessment?
2. Spam Email
Most attacks originate in your email. Be sure you choose a service designed to reduce spam and your exposure to attacks.
3. Passwords
Apply security policies on your network. Deny or limit USB file storage, enhance password policies, and set user screen timeouts. Encourage your users not to write down their passwords on a sticky note and attach it to their desk somewhere.
4. Security Awareness
Train your users—often! Teach them about data security, email attacks, and your policies and procedures.
5. Computer Updates
Keep Microsoft, Adobe, and Java products updated for better security. Automate updates to protect your computers from the latest known attacks.
6. Advanced Endpoint Detection & Response
Protect your computer’s data from malware, viruses, and cyberattacks with advanced endpoint security. Today’s latest technology protects against file-less and script based threats.
7. Multi-Factor Authentication
Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication whenever you can. It adds an additional layer of protection to ensure that even if your password does get stolen, your data stays protected.
8. Dark Web Research
Knowing in real-time what passwords and accounts have been posted on the Dark Web will allow you to be proactive in preventing a data breach.
9. SIEM/Log Management (Security Incident & Event Management)
Review all event and security logs from all covered devices to protect against advanced threats and to meet compliance requirements.
10. Web Gateway Security
Internet security is a race against time. Cloud based security detects web and email threats as they emerge, and blocks them within seconds—before they reach the user.
11. Mobile Device Security
Cyber criminals attempt to steal data or access your network by way of your employees’ devices. They’re counting on you to neglect this piece of the puzzle.
12. Firewall
Turn on Intrusion Detection and Intrusion Prevention features. Send the log files to a managed SIEM.
13. Encryption
Whenever possible, the goal is to encrypt files at rest, in motion (think email) and especially on mobile devices.
14. Backup
Backup local. Backup to the cloud. Have an offline backup for each month of the year. Test your backups often.