Your data is one of your most valuable business assets. Keeping it safe should be one of your main priorities. So, if you don’t have much security in place, there is a minimum standard you should be implementing right now!

There are dozens of security solutions available that perform various different tasks – from preventing criminals gaining access, to recognising attacks in progress, then limiting the damage that attacks can do. There is no one-size-fits-all as every business has different priorities and different types of data to protect.

Here are three essentials that every business should put in place as a basic standard level of protection:

• A Firewall

A firewall monitors the internet traffic coming into and leaving your IT network. It acts as a wall between your network and the outside world. It is your first line of defence against an intruder breaking into your network.

• A Password Manager

This should be standard for everybody in your business. A password manager stores all your credentials securely, and can also generate nearly impossible-to-guess passwords for all your accounts and applications.

Password managers are extremely useful against brute force attacks. This is when cyber criminals try to force their way into your system by guessing the password. It also stops you writing down your password somewhere ‘safe’!

• A VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN is important for any remote or hybrid workers in your business. It means your employees can access your network from wherever they are working, without worrying that their online activity is being watched by a criminal.

VPNs make your browsing completely private, hiding your device and location details, and anything you download. If you or your employees regularly use public Wi-Fi, especially to access the business network – a VPN is essential.

These are our absolute minimum recommendations. The strongest security uses additional tools like MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) to prove the identity of all users, and antivirus software to deal with any intrusions.

These work together to create a multi-layered security shield to defend against threats on many fronts. It is important you create a security plan that is right for your specific business. It is a good idea to seek some professional help.

We recognise that not everyone is as excited about IT security as we are, but we definitely have a passion for it. If you would like some help or advice, please do not hesitate to get in touch!

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.