Phishing is one of the most common ways cybercriminals attack small businesses. Unfortunately, the aftermath of a cyber-attack can cost small businesses a fortune in recovery time. On the other hand, some companies can’t recover from these attacks.
These days, phishing scams are gaining momentum because they’re too easy to replicate. Some can be as simple as sending a spoofed email with malicious intent or creating a fake website.
Phishing poses grave risks to your business depending on the attack’s scope. Let’s look at some ways they can affect your organization below.
1. Theft of Intellectual Property
Aside from money and equipment, another important business asset is intellectual property. Everything you’ve used to build your company successfully, from trade secrets to industry research, can go down the drain.
That’s because phishing attacks can compromise all of your hard work. When this occurs, a phishing attack can set your business back and make it less competitive.
2. Data Loss
Hackers can access your data anytime and cost businesses millions of dollars. In fact, the global average cost of a data breach is $4.35 million this year.
Data breaches occur, especially if you were to click on a malicious link in an email. Many cyberattacks happen this way to try and deceive an employee with a tricky subject line.
What looks like a normal link in the email is one thing hackers use to corrupt and delete files. Data loss is one of the most common phishing attacks and can cause a hefty loss for organizations.
3. Damage to Reputation
Many companies suffer from data breaches, compromising the business reputation as a result. Data can include sensitive customer and employee information. And when a company has to announce the violation publicly, many will lose trust in the organization.
Data breaches strongly impact brand reputation and it can be challenging to come back from a successful hack.
4. Loss of Clientele
When companies lose trust in their customers, they lose their business. It only takes one successful phishing attack to scare away customers.
Unfortunately, consumers will stop doing business with that organization even after several months. Therefore, regaining their confidence is no easy task.
5. Financial Penalties
Companies are responsible for protecting their customers’ data. Yet when they mishandle their information, hefty fines can occur since many regulations are intact.
Ensure your business is following best practices. Violating regulations like GDPR, HIPAA and PCI result in penalties for targeted companies.
You may think your business is too small for such an occurrence. However, many cybercriminals go after these smaller organizations because larger ones heavily invest in cybersecurity.
In Verizon’s 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report, 1,037 data breaches occurred at small businesses, while 819 were large businesses.
6. Operational Disruption
Phishing attacks use malware that can completely shut down your systems. If a cyber attack were to occur, this would make it impossible to run your business.
That’s because malicious bugs can take you offline and render you with nothing to keep your business from prospering. An interruption to your business like this can result in a tremendous decrease in productivity.
Prevent Phishing Attacks in Your Business
Phishing attacks occur daily and thousands of businesses fall victim to them yearly. Fortunately, these scams are avoidable if you put the proper measures in place.
Invest in cybersecurity by following these simple tips:
Be aware of the latest phishing methods and share them with users regularly with security awareness training.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
Change your passwords regularly.
Ensure you update your software regularly. Updates release security patches that prevent cyber-attacks.
Install desktop and network firewalls to bolster your security.
Be aware of giving out information to an unsecured site. Ensure the site has security certificates before entering sensitive information.
Invest in Cybersecurity
Phishing attacks have numerous negative impacts on organizations. Therefore, it’s critical that you invest in cybersecurity solutions, implement policies and prioritize employee education.
When you put protective measures in place, you have a higher chance of protecting your business, employees and customers.
Eleanor Hecks is editor-in-chief at Designerly Magazine. Eleanor was the creative director and occasional blog writer at a prominent digital marketing agency before becoming her own boss in 2018. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and dog, Bear.
8 Reasons Website Security Maintenance is Important for Your Business
Author: Maggie Bloom
A website is a company’s online face. It’s a powerhouse for your business as you can use it for promotion and client generation. The website is a valuable resource; you need to protect it not to disappoint your clients. Here are some reasons why you should schedule regular website security maintenance.
1. Rapid Increase of Hacked Websites
Website hacking is a significant issue facing many companies. Unfortunately, some of these hacks are fatal to the company. Note that most hackers will re-target your website visitors and potential customers. Thus, scheduling website security maintenance is essential to ensure the site is not vulnerable to attacks. Hence, your company will be in the statistics.
2. Prevents Your Website from Google Blacklisting
Note that when google block lists your website, it’s considered unsafe for use by the public. Google will block list your site if it suspects it spreads malware. As a result, visitors will avoid engaging with your content, making you lose potential leads. By conducting website security maintenance, you’ll ensure there is nothing suspicious on your website.
3. Protects Your Company’s Reputation
Having a good reputation is a vital trait for a successful company. With minimal or no website security maintenance, the public might access your company’s crucial information. Due to this, your client will lose trust in your company. Additionally, you will get attention from the media, which will destroy your brand image.
It’s important to note that rising from a damaged reputation might be challenging. With the massive damage, you’ll lose a majority of your clients. Additionally, clearing your name from the media will not be an easy task. Your competitors will also take advantage of your downfall and tap your clients.
4. WordPress Cleanup is Expensive
In case your website gets hacked, the next course of action is to clean it up. Since the cleanup process is challenging, it’s more expensive. To cut unnecessary costs, you need to protect your website. This helps get rid of all infected files. WordPress malware removal is not an easy task. Thus, you’ll need to work with experts for the cleanup. You can also rely on cyber security staffing recruiters to place the best experts in the field within your business to help with these tough IT tasks.
5. Guarantees Your Customers’ Safety
For your customers to interact with your website, they need to be sure they are safe. Thus, it’s your responsibility to ensure that no one gets to access your clients’ crucial details. Note that clients can sue you for not protecting their information. This will harm your business image. With website security maintenance, you ensure that systems are in check. This way, your visitors’ information remains confidential.
6. Protects Your Company’s Assets
Confidential information leaks cause massive damage to the company. Thecompany’s assets that need protection include; financial records and client lists. When competitors get hold of your customer lists, they will steal them from you. What’s more, your clients will no longer feel safe working with you. Performing routine security maintenance is essential as it ensures no breach of your company’s assets. When your clients trust that their information is safe, they can share details that will help you meet their needs.
7. Maintain Your Competitive Advantage
As seen above, when your competitors have information about your clients, they can go for them. This will give them an added advantage as they know your customers’ requirements. Also, they can create products or services to tap your potential leads. With this, you will not stand a chance of standing out in the crowd. You can be an edge over your competitors by undertaking the maintenance process. This is because you can keep all your company’s success secrets safe.
8. Maintain Compliance
With online security compliance, there are some things you have to focus on. This includes the certifications or qualifications that touch the industry you’re in. It lets you know what you need to work on in your projects. By performing website security maintenance, you’ll know what is missing and sort it out. By having everything in order, you will avoid any legal actions and will protect your company from market infringement.
Any website security breach is harmful to your business. It can lead to a bad reputation, financial damage, and your company’s downfall. For effective website security maintenance, ensure to work with experts.
What Small Businesses Should Know About Consumers’ Privacy
Author: Eleanor Hecks
Consumer privacy is a hot button topic. People are often reluctant to share personal details because they’ve had their data compromised in the past. Even large corporations are subject to hackers. Small businesses need to take steps to keep sensitive information secure.
Do Businesses Need to Be Concerned About Privacy?
If you collect any data from your customers at all, privacy is something you must consider. Consumers take many measures to protect personal information. Statista reported around 29% change default privacy settings on their devices but another 29% do nothing to secure their data.
It’s your responsibility as a business owner to protect the information in your databases. What do you need to know about consumer privacy and your obligation to clients?
1. Avoid Fines
If some of your customers live in European Union countries, your company should be subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) act. In a nutshell, the GDPR states you must protect consumer information. You must include a policy for how and when you use any data collected. You should also take common sense steps to protect your site and databases from hackers.
2. Kick Cookies to the Curb
Consumers’ rising expectations for personal data usage has encouraged large corporations such as Google to change the way they handle data. Google announced they’ll get rid of third-party cookies in 2023.
If you still use cookies to track visitor actions, it’s time to find new ways to gather analytical data. Cookies are on their way out. Many users resent them and the key players in online big data are moving away from the concept.
3. Train Employees
A little extra training about how to avoid phishing scams or not give out information to just anyone goes a long way toward reassuring customers you won’t hand out personal data.
Think about the last time you phoned your cell phone service provider. You likely had to offer your full name, address and perhaps a pin number to gain help with your account or make any changes. Such safeguards protect your customers’ privacy.
4. Protect Your Website
Take steps to protect your website, especially if you offer logins for your customers and there is any personal data saved to their accounts. For example, you might add secure socket layers to ensure keystrokes aren’t opened up to anyone who wants them.
You should install a firewall and security plugins. Researchers at Google found about 52% of people use the same password on numerous sites. Encourage your users to use something unique and frequently update their passwords.
5. Invest in the Right Tools
The right tools can keep your business’ data safe. Make sure you install antivirus software on all your computers. Do regular scans and update any software when new patches become available.
If much of your work is information based, you may find you keep details in the cloud. Investing in a third-party cloud computing service may be the key to growing your business. Make sure any company you work with makes security a top concern.
6. Create Backups
People may be reluctant to share information the first time. If you were to have a breach or a crash, they’re less likely to give you details again. Make sure you keep backups of your database.
First, if you get hacked, you can restore your details without asking customers for more info. Second, if your system crashes, you won’t lose everything but can restore it quickly.
Make a Plan for Catastrophe
At some point in the life of your company, you may face a breach. Perhaps a disgruntled former employee steals customer data or maybe a hacker gains access to personal details. Whatever the situation, if you have a plan in place for how to deal with a catastrophe, you’ll come across as more professional. Your customers will continue to trust you with their sensitive info.
7 Reasons to Make Sure You Have the Proper Cyber Security
Author: Hannah Boothe
With the rise of the internet, businesses have become increasingly reliant on technology. From storing customer information to processing financial transactions, computers play a vital role in business operations. However, this dependence on technology also makes businesses more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Businesses need to ensure they have the proper cyber security measures in place for many reasons.
1. Cyber-Attacks Are On the Rise
In today’s digital age, cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly common. Whether it’s a hacker stealing personal information or a virus infecting a computer, the risks of using the internet are ever-present. And as our lives become more intertwined with technology, the stakes are only getting higher. By investing in cybersecurity and being vigilant about online activity, we can help to protect ourselves from the growing threat of cyber-attacks. Businesses need to invest in cybersecurity managed services to protect their data and customers. These services provide a comprehensive approach to security, including threat identification, incident response, and recovery.
2. Hackers Are Becoming More Sophisticated
As the world increasingly moves online, hackers are becoming more sophisticated in their techniques for stealing information and wreaking havoc. In the past, hackers were primarily motivated by revenge or a desire to prove their technical prowess. However, today’s hackers are often highly organized and well-funded, motivated by financial gain or political agendas. As a result, they have access to increasingly sophisticated tools and techniques. They are also targeting companies’ proprietary data, such as trade secrets and customer data. This type of data is much more valuable to hackers and can be used to blackmail or extort companies. It is therefore critical that we stay one step ahead of them.
3. Cyber-Attacks Are Costly
Cyber-attacks are a serious threat to businesses of all sizes. Not only can they result in the loss of sensitive data, but they can also disrupt operations and damage reputations. In addition, cyber-attacks often come with a high price tag. The cost of a data breach is very high, and the costs of recovering from an attack can be even higher. As a result, businesses need to protect themselves from cyber threats. This includes investing in security tools and training employees on best practices for avoiding scams and phishing attacks. By taking these precautions, businesses can help to reduce the risk of costly cyber-attacks.
4. Your Customers Expect You to Protect Their Data
In the wake of the Equifax breach, customers are now more aware of the importance of data security. They expect companies to take the necessary steps to protect their personal information, and they will not do business with companies that cannot provide this assurance.
5. You Could Be Held Liable for A Data Breach
If your company suffers a data breach, you could be liable for the damages. This is especially true if you have been negligent in protecting your data. In some cases, you may even be criminally liable. So if you want to avoid being held liable for a data breach, make sure you’re taking steps toprotect your data. Invest in cyber security measures like data encryption and two-factor authentication, and make sure your employees are trained to keep data safe.
6. Cyber-Attacks Can Destroy Your Business
A cyber-attack can do more than just cost you money. It can also destroy your business. Your reputation could be damaged if confidential information about you is released online. Additionally, if your customer data is exposed, you will lose their trust. If your trade secrets are stolen, your competition will gain an advantage. And if your systems are taken down, you may not be able to recover.
7. To Keep Your Computer Safe from Viruses and Malware
No one wants their computer to be infected with a virus or malware. That’s why it’s important to have good cyber security. Cyber security includes having a strong password, not clicking on links from unknown sources, and updating your software regularly. Having good cyber security protects your computer from malicious attacks. It also helps to keep your personal information safe.
Conclusion
Cyber-attacks are a serious threat to businesses of all sizes. If you do not have the proper cyber security, you could be the next victim. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your business. There are several ways to improve your cyber security, including encrypting data, creating strong passwords, and investing in security software. By taking these precautions, you can help to reduce Cyber-attacks.
What Is SSL and Why You Must Have It
Author: Christopher Oldman
In the modern world, online security should be on the list of everyone’s top priorities. No matter if you’re simply browsing the web or looking to make a purchase, you need to make sure that your sessions are safe.
This is particularly true if you’re running an online business. Nowadays, having a website that’s not properly secured won’t do you any good. That’s why any responsible business owner needs to make sure they secure their business website.
Proper security measures won’t only help you attract and retain customers, but they will also help build up your online reputation. The more trustworthy your business appears, the more appealing it will be to your audience.
So, if you don’t already have proper security measures in place, it’s high time you look into securing your website with an SSL certificate.
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer and it is a digital certificate that enables an encrypted connection. In simpler terms, SSL is a security protocol that helps create an encrypted link between the web server and the web browser.
Businesses that add this type of security protocol to their website will ensure that any type of transaction happening on their website stays entirely safe. This includes any type of transaction, customer information and any other piece of sensitive data.
Naturally, the safer your internet connection is, the less likely any type of information transfer will be to fall victim to misuse and manipulation.
Your website visitors can easily see whether or not your website is secured by an SSL certificate by looking for a padlock icon next to the URL in the address bar.
Another way you can ensure that the website is secure is by looking for the letter s in the URL. The websites that feature this layer of security will have https in their URL instead of a simple http.
It’s also worth noting that the version of an SSL protocol that’s currently being used is actually named Transport Layer Security (TLS) but almost everyone still refers to it as SSL – the original name of this type of protocol.
How do SSL certificates work?
As we’ve mentioned earlier, SSL helps protect the privacy and security of any data transferred between two parties – usually a website user and a website or two systems. Thanks to the encryption algorithms that scramble data while it’s in transit, these types of connections are entirely safe from any potential security breach.
That being said, here’s how the entire process looks like:
A browser or server makes an attempt to connect to a website or web server that’s secured with SSL.
A browser or server makes a request to the web server to identify itself.
As a response, the web server sends a copy of its SSL certificate to provide identification.
The browser or server then checks the validity of the SSL and in case it determines it to be trustworthy, it sends a signal back to the web server.
The web server then provides a digitally signed approval to start an encrypted SSL session.
Data shared between the browser or server and the web server is encrypted to prevent any misuse.
Even though this may sound like a lengthy process, it actually takes mere milliseconds.
The professionals at a reputable nyc web design company understand the importance of having proper security systems in place, which is why they ensure that every website they help create features an SSL certificate.
Why do you need an SSL certificate?
We’ve noted previously that websites need SSL certificates to help keep any data transferred safe. However, that’s not the only reason why websites choose to implement these certificates.
Aside from general security, websites also need SSL certificates to prove ownership of the website, as well as prevent any security breaches.
Moreover, having SSL certificates in place will also help build and improve trust with users, which is certainly something every business should be aiming at.
Think of it this way: If you expect your website visitors to provide their personal and sensitive data, you must make sure you create an environment where they’ll feel safe to do so. Otherwise, you run the risk of your website visitors simply bouncing off to another website that offers this additional layer of security.
Apart from helping build trust with users, an SSL certificate will also help you improve your online reputation and visibility. Google and other search engines prefer secure websites over the ones that are not.
So, what this means is that having an SSL certificate in place will also help you with your SEO, bringing more exposure and visibility to your website.
That’s why it’s safe to say that securing your website with SSL will help you:
Build trust with your audience
Provide a more secure environment
Reach better search engine ranking and visibility
Boost your online reputation
Make your website more appealing to a general audience
There are six main types of SSL certificates that focus on different validation levels and they include:
Extended Validation certificates (EV SSL)
Extended Validation certificates (EV SSL) are most commonly used for high-profile websites that involve online payments and are the most expensive type of SSL certificates.
When installed, EV SSL will display a padlock, https, the name of the business and the country in the address bar. This way, the website that features this type of certificate is easily distinguishable from fake and malicious sites.
2. Organization Validated certificates (OV SSL)
Organization Validated certificates (OV SSL) are quite similar to the EV SSL, as, in order to obtain it, the owner of the website will need to go through a thorough validation process.
These certificates are the second most expensive type of SSL certificates and they are mostly used for commercial and public-facing websites.
3. Domain Validated certificates (DV SSL)
Since the validation process that’s necessary to obtain the Domain Validated certificate (DV SSL) is minimal, they offer minimal encryption and – thus – lower assurance. This type of SSL certificate is most commonly used for informational websites and blogs.
In other words, they are a perfect fit for any website that doesn’t involve any data collection or money transfer. As such, DV SSL is easy to obtain and is also one of the most affordable types of SSL certificates.
4. Wildcard SSL certificates
Wildcard SSL certificates are a great choice if you have to secure numerous sub-domains, aside from your base domain, on a single certificate. Needless to say, this is far more affordable than obtaining a specific SSL certificate for each of your sub-domains individually.
5. Multi-Domain SSL certificates (MDC)
A Multi-Domain SSL certificate (MDC) is used to secure numerous domain and subdomain names. As such, it can be used to secure domains and subdomains with Top-Level Domains (TLD).
However, since MDC doesn’t support sub-domains by default, if you wish to include them in the certificate as well, you’ll need to specify it when obtaining the MDC.
6. Unified Communications Certificates (UCC)
Unified Communications Certificates (UCC) are similar to Multi-Domain certificates. With this type of certificate, website owners can easily secure multiple domain names on a single certificate.
Naturally, it’s always advised to familiarize yourself with different types of certificates in order to be able to make the best choice for your website specifically.
SSL certificates are obtained from Certificate Authority (CA). The cost of an SSL certificate can range from hundreds of dollars to absolutely free, depending on the type and level of security you’re aiming to get.
When you determine the type of certificate you need, start looking for Certificate Issuers that offer that specific type of certificate.
Once you obtain the certificate, you will need to configure it on your web host. This can be either the server you host your own website on or the web host you’ve chosen when creating your website.
Keep in mind that the time necessary for obtaining the certificate will vary depending on the type of certificate, the validation process and the level of security you require.
How to ensure your online sessions are safe?
When required to submit any type of sensitive data online, you should do so only with websites that feature an EV or an OV certificate, as these provide the highest level of security.
Next, look for the website’s Privacy Policy section to see how your data will be treated. Trustworthy websites will be transparent about this, so if the website you’re browsing is not – better terminate your session to avoid any potential inconveniences.
Additionally, you should also browse the website for physical address or any other type of contact information, which are also considered good trust indicators, aside from the SSL certificate.
Finally, make sure you stay aware of various phishing scams as you can easily fall victim to them if you’re not careful enough.
To sum up
Every website owner that wants to attract a large audience and boost the visibility of their website should obtain an SSL certificate.
This will create a safe environment for their visitors which will not only encourage them to stay on the website longer, but will also make them more likely to take the desired steps towards conversion.
Since online security is so important in this day and age, not taking the necessary steps to secure your website simply doesn’t make sense.
Author’s Bio
Christopher is a Digital Marketing specialist, Project Manager and Editor at Find Digital Agency and a passionate blogger. He is a dedicated and experienced author who pays particular attention to quality research and details. Focused on new web tech trends and digital voice distribution across different channels, he starts the day scrolling his digest on new digital trends while sipping a cup of coffee. In his free time Christopher plays drums and Magic: the Gathering.
Can My Business Survive a Cyberattack Today?
Author: Lexie Lu
Could your company survive a cyberattack? Small businesses may be particularly at risk because the cost of battling a hacking incident may exceed their budgets. Executives may be brilliant at building new companies and reaching out to leads, but lack a bit of IT knowledge. Without the full-time technical staff a larger operation has, they are also quite vulnerable to an attack.
Around 43% of cyberattacks are against small businesses. Hackers have different intentions. One is to knock you offline by overwhelming your system, and the other is to gain access to sensitive data, such as credit card numbers or customer contact info. Either way, you need to take steps now to protect your business and your patrons.
Six basic steps will ensure you can withstand a cyberattack. Some of these protect data and your website, while others prepare you for a breach even when you’ve done everything you can to avoid one.
1. Invest in Cloud-Based Computing
Going with a cloud service gives you the same security measures more prominent companies use. Smaller brands can’t afford expensive software or security teams on their own. However, you can use a company that has these systems in place and store your essential files on their servers. Switching to the cloud improved safety for about 94% of business owners.
A cloud-based system also allows your staff to access files from anywhere, so you’ll need to decide if you want to enable remote access or not. There are some additional security measures you’ll need to take and training your employees will need to complete if you choose to access files off-site.
2. Avoid Ransomware
In some attacks, hackers take over your computer and demand money to release it. Attacks such as WannaCry target outdated software on your system — particularly Microsoft. To avoid someone taking over your computers and either stealing the files on them or locking them up, complete all updates immediately. You may want to set your system to update each night automatically.
If you are the victim of ransomware, never give the hackers money. It only encourages more attacks in the future. Instead, work with a digital security expert to restore your files and secure your computers. There is almost always something you can do to get the malware off your computer without rewarding criminals for bad behavior.
3. Choose a VPN
There are two aspects to virtual private networks (VPN you can utilize to protect your business. First, shared hosting is a cheap way to get your business website online, but it comes with problems you may not want. Not only can a hacker take out an account and attack you on the backend, but you may also find there is a drag at times, and your site doesn’t perform as well as you’d like. A VPN gives you several advantages without costing as much as a dedicated server.
Another aspect of VPNs is that you can use one for online browsing. Since most companies keep a database of dangerous sites, you’ll get a notification to avoid potential hazards. Emails will be encrypted, and the network will prevent you from stumbling onto a website you shouldn’t and inadvertently downloading malware.
4. Backup Daily
If you aren’t already backing up your data daily, you need to implement a plan. Companies such as iDrive and DropBox allow you to automate backups from your systems. If you wind up with a ransomware attack, you would merely return to the nearest point before the attack, for example. If your system crashes and you lose everything, the information is stored. Pay attention to the security on the site you hire to back up your files.
Some companies also use an external hard drive, but it’s important to have files stored in a separate location in case of a natural disaster. A cloud-based system is your best choice for backing up off-site, but that shouldn’t be the only place you keep files. The remote server could also crash, so never make one source your only file backup.
5. Train Employees
One of the ways hackers gain access to information is by tricking people into sharing logins or sensitive information. Thieves are quite savvy and will send an email that looks like it is from a reputable company or even the person’s manager. Conduct regular internet safety awareness training so your employees know what information they can and can’t share, as well as how to recognize a phishing email.
6. Plan for the Worst
Create a plan for what you’ll do if you are the victim of a cyberattack. Let’s say the worst happens, and sensitive information leaks out. You are required by regulations in some areas to inform your customers and let them know what you’ve done to fix the issue. Yes, people are going to be angry, so the faster you can rectify the problem and reassure them, the better you’ll mitigate the damage.
Never try to cover up a hacking situation where sensitive information was compromised. Immediately inform those affected so people can take measures to protect their credit card numbers or credit.
Protect Your Business
Keeping your business safe from the nefarious intentions of others should be one of your top priorities. When you make digital security a vital part of your routine, you’ll reduce the chances of losing money due to an attack. Take the steps needed to guard your assets, and you’ll have one less worry in running your business.
Author’s Bio:
Lexie is a digital nomad and web designer. When she’s not traveling to various parts of the country, you can find her at the local flea markets or hiking with her goldendoodle. Check out her design blog, Design Roast, and connect with her on Twitter @lexieludesigner.
How VPNs Can Protect Users Against Cyber Attacks
Author: Edwin Deponte
Cybercrime is an ongoing threat since 2018. You might think that the only form of cybercrime you will ever experience is hackers trying to get into your account and stealing all personal information. But it’s not that simple. Over the last few years, cybercrime has dramatically increased in number, with a variety of cyber attacks and threats like malware, phishing, ransomware, and a lot more. What you need to know is this: there are far more concerns than just stealing basic information.
Organizations should be concerned about this most. Most – if not all – companies consider information as one of their most valuable assets; hence, losing this information and mishandling it over to the wrong hands can severely paralyze the entire organization.
Thankfully, you can prevent cybercrime. Well, not entirely. But you can at least take precautions to help protect your most valuable assets. As starters, you may want to get the most secure VPN out there to eliminate or at least limit the chances of risk. Not sure how this can help? Here’s how VPNs can protect users against cyber attacks:
VPNs Come With Detectors
Good VPN services always come with a malicious website detector. Basically, this is a database with all the illegal websites created by online predators that bring danger to a user’s privacy, security, and even reputation. Having a VPN allows you to go on such websites, but also be immediately notified about it and how it can paralyze your network.
It Keeps Your Browsing Session Secure
It is challenging to keep your browser safe just by using a regular browser’s safety features. Hackers can still get into it and steal your login information and other crucial data. So this is exactly why you need a VPN. Activating a private connection through a VPN service enables you to protect all your online data transactions and keep hackers away from spreading viruses, malicious content, and stealing your data.
It Encrypts Data And Comes With A Firewall
VPNs conceal and protect data in such a way that even if hackers get a hold of it, it will be almost impossible to decode and steal your information. It also comes with a firewall that will significantly help protect you from different kinds of cyber threats and attacks. More than anything, it prevents malicious software and online predators from accessing your device without permission and taking full control over it.
It Prevents Spam Emails That Lead To Phishing Websites
A lot of users today get lured to phishing websites because of many things. One of the most common ways hackers can do this is by sending suspicious emails with clickable links leading to illegitimate sites that eventually phish for personal information. Fortunately, VPNs prevent this from happening simply because a private connection won’t allow hijackers to track your email or IP address and send you emails that contain phishing links, viruses, or malware.
It Builds A Stronger Data Protection System
Hackers will do everything that it takes to penetrate your system and steal all crucial information. But, with a VPN put into action, users will be able to establish more reliable data protection systems, protecting not just the server, but the entire network connection as well. Even before intruders can launch an attack on your server, they would first have to get through your heavily-encrypted VPN connection, which is quite impossible to do.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, a quick guide as to how VPNs can protect you against cyber attacks. Gone are the days of having to worry or stress about not getting enough privacy and security online. This is the age of a more secure Internet access. All that’s left for you to do is download the most suitable VPN service for you.
Author’s Bio:
Edwin Deponte is a motivational writer who loves to travel around the world. Also a digital nomad, he finds it hard to access the world wide web on countries with strict Internet censorship; hence, he studied the ins and outs of VPN connections. Having been hooked to this, he continues to write about the topic to help users and other digital nomads worldwide that experience the same problems.
