Cybersecurity for Marquette businesses should not be taken lightly. With every passing day, the threat of a cyberattack increases. We would like to provide crucial information to help defend against potential attacks. Our goal is to provide important information about Cybersecurity for Marquette businesses and measures to take.

We have heard people say, “My business is small I wouldn’t be a target”. Or, “I don’t have any data that I can’t afford to lose”. Therefore, not taking the possible threats serious enough to put in place the proper tools, systems and procedures to greatly reduce the risk.

Cyberattacks are not always targeted to users or organizations directly. Rather, scripted bots that scan the internet and look for openings within routers and firewalls. It could be in the form of a scripted list of emails, texts or instance messages.  The message could be an attractive offer to get you to click a link or attachment. Then bam, you are now compromised. Nothing is off the table when it comes to cyberattacks. The truth is, if you Marquette business doesn’t have Cybersecurity measures in place, then your company is more likely suspect to a cyberattack. Anyone and everyone is a possible target. And as the saying goes, you don’t know what you got until it’s gone.

There are a multitude of ways a hacker can gain access and or infiltrate your company’s digital assets and information.  This WILL create a nightmare situation for your business. Here is a list of some but definitely not all ways your company could be attacked.

How hackers attack gain access to data and or networks

1. Malware – Malware is malicious software that could provide unauthorized access or cause damage to a computer. Malware can sometimes get around detection methods such as anti-virus software and scans that look for malicious file attachments.
2. Ransomware – Ransomware is type of malware that will lock down access to computer, computer files, data and threatens to destroy or go public with data if a ransom of some type is not met.
3. Phishing – Phishing is when an attacker tries to get information such as passwords, login information, credit card credentials, etc. They may disguise themselves as a trusted entity such as PayPal, Google, Amazon and request you to click a link via an email or text, or even a phone call. If done, you may just have compromised your computer.
4. DDOS Attack – Denial of Service is when an attacker attempts to crash your network, server and or website with an overload of traffic.
5. Advanced Persistent Threats – This threat is where an attacker intrudes your network or system and remains undetected for a period of time. The intruder can then spy on activity and steal data.

With that being said, there is equipment, tools and ways to reduce your exposure to such cyberthreats.

5 Ways to protect your Business in Marquette with Cybersecurity

1. A Business Grade Firewall – A firewall is the front-line defense from outside cyberattacks. Attackers can gain access if ports on the firewall are open to the public. Business or Enterprise grade firewalls will provide an overall more secure environment for your business than ones you can buy off the shelf at your local big box store.

2. Malware and Anti-virus Software – When it comes to software, you get what you pay for. If you are using free software the chances of it providing adequate protection from a real modern threat is very unlikely. Make sure you are using a reputable paid subscription of some sort.

3. EDR – Endpoint Detection Response focuses on the endpoint itself rather than the system in a whole. The EDR will gather data of the endpoint, detect unusual behavior and trigger security alerts. Not only that, but it also has tools that can automate and or manually handle malicious activity. Extremely necessary tool to have for device security and safety.

4. Training and On-Going Discussions – Many cybersecurity threats happen because a user gets duped into clicking a link or attachment. The user thinks it’s a trusted source, only later to find out that it was an imposter/hacker. Consistently discussing these threats will keep your team on alert and be able to identify or confirm the source of the phishing emails, link prior to clicking or giving out information.

5. Conduct Phishing Simulations – Phishing simulations are just that. Sending out fake messages or emails that request secure information or links to a fake site or file attachment. This would then be able to be measured and at least in a safe controlled environment.

Added Bonus

6. Software Updates and Upgrades – It is extremely important to have your programs and Operating System up to date with the latest software. Often times, these new releases come out to mitigate exposed vulnerabilities that have been found.

Social Media

Social Media platforms are a hotbed for hackers. A hacker can clone an account and or take over an account and send malicious intent. Disabling access to these sites is recommended for the vast majority of the users. This has become an alarming and overwhelming threat to users. If you are experiencing threats, then you may want to contact the FBI.

We have seen user Facebook accounts get completely taken over by a hacker. They changed email addresses and phone numbers of the user account. This creates a difficult circumstance to gain access back. If your Facebook account has been hacked and or gets completely taken over, go to Facebooks hacked page to regain access to your account.

What is your Risk Assessment?

1. What resources does your company utilize to defend against cyberattacks?
2. If your business was under attack right now how would you defend it?
3. What is your process and procedure when experiencing a cyberattack?
4. How much of a risk is your company at right now?
5. If you came into your office Monday morning and all of your data was locked and unable to get access to it, how would that affect your company and what would you do?

If you cannot answer these questions, or have concerns about your security then, reach out to schedule your free Cybersecurity Risk Assessment.

Call 906-485-6080 or email at info@superioreagleinc.com