Hackers Target Chicagoland Businesses With Ransomware

Protect Your Chicago Business From Hackers & Ransomware

Everyone has something to lose, and unscrupulous individuals will always look for ways to get what someone else has. As a business owner, you likely have a lot. Thieves are interested in merchandise and money and getting their hands on sensitive information that can be used for identity theft and fraud.

This is nothing new. Before the age of online operations, thieves were content to pick locks, disable security cameras, and dig through dumpsters in search of loot and information. Today they go about their nefarious business in another way – hacking your digital systems.

Data breaches are a significant fear for businesses large and small, and lest you think you can fly under the radar because you’re not as big of a target as a multi-national corporation, think again. Not all hackers try to make a statement by breaking into the biggest vault. Plenty wants an easy score, which means attacking small and medium-sized businesses that don’t have the same protections as their larger brethren.

In terms of a data breach, it’s a matter of when or not if you get hacked. What can you do to protect yourself when hackers always seem ahead? How can you protect your customers’ confidential data and continue to comply with applicable privacy laws? You need to know a few things to protect your business from hackers.

Meet Minimums, and Then Some

Everyone knows you need a firewall, antivirus/anti-spyware/anti-malware software, and password protection to keep computers and networks safe. You’ll also need a web application firewall (WAF) for online operations. In addition, hardware, firmware, and software must be properly maintained and updated regularly to ensure maximum protection.

That said, you can (and should) do more. Encryption, for example, is a great way to ensure data is unusable even if it is compromised during a hacking incident. You could also hire a service for maintenance and monitoring, giving you the best chance to avoid hacks or at least catch them early and shut them down before any real damage is done. Going the extra mile may convince hackers to move along to easier targets.

Get Employees On Board

All your security efforts will be for naught if employees let hackers in through the front door. In other words, you must ensure your employees understand their obligations and that they’re on board to protect your company. Training employees on how to behave safely and responsibly is a must.

Focus on Password Protection

It’s not enough to have passwords. You need to ensure they’re strong enough to avoid decryption, that they are changed frequently, and that employees understand the consequences of letting their private password information fall into the wrong hands.

Create Backups

Not all hackers are out to steal your data. Some want money, and they’ll get it by holding your data hostage and disrupting your business operations. Ransomware has become a lot more common over the past few years. The best way to ensure you’re safe is by implementing frequent system backups for recovery and regular protection.

Don’t Go It Alone

Unless you are an IT expert, you probably shouldn’t try to manage online security independently. Just as you hire professional accountants and attorneys to meet your financial and legal obligations so you can focus on daily business dealings, you should hire a pro regarding your IT security. A technology specialist can provide you with the infrastructure, advice, and support you need to remain up-to-date and -avoid data breaches.

To help keep your company data safe and secure, call CTI Technology at 847-888-1900. Our Rockstars will ensure your business technology is protected from unwanted predators.