Cyber criminals have many methods at their disposal to get into a business’s data. Of course, no employee intentionally allows a hacker in or downloads a virus, but that’s often how cyber crimes start. Even if you have a firewall, multi-factor authentication, and policies in place to help prevent a cybercrime against your business, it can still happen. Here are some of the most common ways these criminals take your data.

Phishing/Malicious Email Attachment

You would think that by now we’d all be savvy enough to recognize these scams and fake emails. However, with AI’s assistance in writing authentic looking emails, your receptionist, office manager, or any employee may fall victim to something malicious in their inbox. The best way to prevent a phishing type cybercrime against your business is to remind staff that if they have any doubt about the authenticity, speak to your IT manager or MSP before opening the email.

Software Programs

Everyone utilizes multiple software programs every day. Some use programs hosted in the cloud and others have them on their desktop. Both are ways hackers can get your data. Sometimes it happens through a weak password on the part of your employee. Other times the mistake is that of the software company. Although software companies work hard to keep their programs secure from cyber criminals, programming mistakes happen. Utilizing multi-factor authentication and updating software when new versions are available can help reduce the chances of cybercrime against your business.

Third-Party Platforms

If your staff uses any third-party platforms on their computer or phone with your business’s data, they are vulnerable. Social media, rideshare, food delivery, time tracking, receipt uploading, and accounting tools are just a few types of third-party platforms where cyber criminals prey. Once they are into the third-party platform, they can commit cybercrime against your business. They may ask for a ransom or they may sell your client’s information. Once an account is hijacked, the criminals find ways to exploit your business.

Public Wi-Fi

When you, your sales reps, or another staff member join a public Wi-Fi on their computer of phone, your business becomes vulnerable. Cybercriminals can intercept data, passwords, install malware, and of course, steal your business data just because they have access to the same public Wi-Fi you’re utilizing.

Your Network

If you allow visitors and guests to join your business’s network, you’re inviting cybercrime against your business. Once someone with malware or spyware on their computer connects to yours, your network can become infected. This is perhaps the easiest problem to solve. Simply ask your IT team or MSP to install and set up a guest network and only allow visitors on that network which is separate from your company’s.

Are You Concerned About Your Company’s Cyber Vulnerabilities?

Toucan Technology Group can help. We can evaluate your business’s cybersecurity. And, if we find areas lacking, implement solutions to help prevent a cybercrime against your business. Whether it’s something as simple as a guest network or a better firewall, our team is ready to help you. Call us today at (317) 376-4874 or fill out our contact form for your free consultation.

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