How To Protect Against Hackers

Over the past decade, cybercriminals are launching more online attacks on businesses than ever before. They now have access to sensitive information including names, addresses and security pin codes. While trying to protect all your devices can seem overwhelming, there are practical steps you can take to prevent your data from being exploited.

Choose a complex password 

Passwords are the first line of defence against computer hackers. The simple and most effective way of safeguarding your data is using complex passwords that are at least eight to twelve characters long. This should include numbers, letters and special characters that are not predictable. Additionally, if you have many accounts, it’s best practice to have a different password for each account. This will make it harder for hackers to invade your system. 

Password managers are a great way to store multiple passwords in an encrypted form, so all your passwords can be found in one place and you don’t have to memorise them. 

Secure your network

On the subject of passwords, it’s imperative that your network is securely password-protected to ensure hackers can’t access your all-important files. We’d suggest updating your Wi-Fi equipment every few years as some routers have vulnerabilities that are never patched. At ICT Solutions, we apply the latest technologies to ensure your wireless network is reliable and completely safe to use.

When you’re out and about on business try not to use public Wi-Fi networks unless absolutely necessary! These networks are very insecure and your personal details can be easily accessed by someone with a network sniffing tool.

Install antivirus software 

Computer viruses and malware are everywhere and can have disastrous consequences for your business. Antivirus programmes such as AVG CloudCare give you peace of mind by immunising your computers against an authorised code or software that threatens your operating system. 

This type of managed antivirus system can be used remotely and with one-click installations it means you have the most up-to-date protection and security on your computers. 

Use a firewall

Firewalls help secure your business information by preventing data breaches and alerting you of any intrusion attempts. With all computers, it’s important to make sure your firewall is enabled before you go online. 

We offer state-of-the-art firewall technology powered by FortiNet and DrayTek, as well as a managed firewall service providing ongoing hardware support. This means anyone using your network can have internet access anytime and anywhere without putting your infrastructure, personal information or employees at risk. 

Backup your system

It’s easy to ignore those system update notifications that pop up on your screen, but backing up your information is critical in case disaster does strike and hackers invade your system. 

This is why having a strategy in place such as UK hosted data backup is important. Effective recovery methods mean that your business can bounce back from data loss as quickly as possible.

Our safety backup service protects all your files wherever they are stored. Having a hosted data backup means that our team of experts are on top of your IT infrastructure 24/7, so we can easily recover your data to ensure as little downtime as possible.  

Ignore spam emails

Finally, be aware of emails from unknown parties and never click on links or open attachments that accompany them. A hacker could pretend to be a staff member, associate or bank in order to spoof the account holder’s identity and defraud the company. 

It’s good practice to make sure you have a system in place that allows your employees to verify contact from senior members and ensure all staff – particularly the finance department – are aware of this kind of fraud. 

ICT Solutions are here to help 

We hope this has shed some light on ways you can protect your business from hackers. We offer a range of bespoke cybersecurity packages for businesses across Liverpool, Merseyside and the rest of the UK. If you’d like to find out more contact us today and a member of our team will be in touch!