In the digital age of today, more and more businesses are moving operations and transactions online. Unfortunately, with this transformation, cybercriminals are also following these businesses. In the fast-paced business world of virtual operations, the digital security strategies that worked yesterday might not be effective against evolved cyber threats today. If your business is employing outdated cybersecurity strategies, you could be vulnerable to malicious viruses, malware, or phishing attacks that could damage your company. Small to medium-sized businesses might feel as though they are less vulnerable to cybercriminals as they might not be participating in high-powered international deals. In reality, however, smaller businesses are more prone to attack than larger corporations.

Cybercriminals aren’t necessarily targeting large firms as those businesses usually have invested in advanced security safeguards and protocols. If a company stores financial data such as payment and customer information, it is that data that makes a business attractive, not the firm's size. With that in mind, all businesses must frequently review and implement new digital security protocols. Let's take a look at five digital security strategies you need to employ to protect your business. 

1. Employ cloud-based security.

Cloud-based security, also called cloud computing security, is a set of integrated policies, controls, procedures, and technologies that work in tandem to protect cloud-based platforms and data. With so many businesses moving to online operations, cloud-based platforms are popular for data and information sharing. Incorporating cloud-based security from a firm like Securd will help with threat detection, protect cloud data and customer information. Employing these security measures will also reduce the risk of viruses, provide anti-phishing safeguards, and set authentication rules. From authenticating access to information to guarding critical data, cloud security can protect any business.

2. Create a strong password strategy.

Surprisingly, many cybersecurity breaches are successful due to simplistic passwords. Hackers have access to spyware technologies that give them the ability to crack encrypted passwords. This is known as “brute forcing” in the IT world. "Brute forcing" overpowers the computer’s defenses by using repetition. The more challenging the passwords, the harder it will be to hack them. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, policies should require that passwords be at least eight characters long and include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Complex passwords could help reduce various types of threats to company data and intellectual property rights. 

3. Be aware of phishing scams.

A phishing scheme attempt is a situation where a cybercriminal poses as someone or something to convince the recipient into disclosing credentials, clicking a malicious link, or opening an attachment. Once successful, the user’s system is infected with viruses, malware, trojans, or other threats. This will usually lead to a ransomware attack. About 90% of ransomware attacks come from phishing attempts. Aside from a security solution, the best safeguard against phishing scams is education. All staff members should be diligent about detecting suspicious emails, links, and calls.

4. Keep all software up to date.

Ransomware attacks are major threats for both businesses and consumers. One of the most important digital security strategies to reduce ransomware threats is to keep all software up to date. This includes both operating systems and applications. Patching outdated software will help remove critical vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can use to access your devices. You will want to turn on automatic update options for all devices and keep all web browser plugins updated.

5. Implement secure communications.

One of the biggest threats facing businesses is unsecured communications. A majority of companies send and receive information via relatively unsecured options such as email or document sharing. To help decrease risks, companies should invest in more secure forms of communication. While seemingly outdated, fax messages are one of the most secure forms of communication. In the digital age, however, using fax might be restrictive. As a result, businesses need to review email and mobile communications policies. Devices need to have rules for information access and if they can be taken home. Clear guidelines also need to be established for when IT departments can wipe a device clean.

Hacking, phishing, and malware attacks are the causes of most security breaches today. These hacking attempts, however, are usually the result of human errors and outdated policies. Security solutions, education, and awareness are crucial digital security strategies in the fight to prevent security breaches and protect valuable data.