Since 2020, cybercrime has skyrocketed by 600 percent with new tactics to lure your business into danger. Many of the threats hide in plain sight, but remain masked under the anonymous veil of the dark web’s advanced VPN systems. The dark web houses numerous threats from money laundering to fraudulent government documents and, you guessed it, tools for cyberattacks. So, what cybersecurity and dark web protection tools can you implement to protect your business, New Jersey? Read on to discover NetConnect’s do’s and don’ts of dark web protection for your business.
DON’T — Wait Until a Data Breach to Fortify Cybersecurity
What would happen to your business if you lost 80 days of operations? That’s the scary reality for many businesses, with the average containment time of a data breach clocking in around 80 days. Not to mention the damage that is done before a breach is even detected. The average time it takes to realize a data breach has occurred was approximately 228 days in 2020. And with the nearly untraceable, underground channel available through the dark web, that amount of time can lead to irreparable damage for your business.
DO — Install Automated Threat Detection Software
With ransomware attacks claiming a victim every 11 seconds, it’s critical to have 24/7 threat detection and rapid response plans in place to protect your business. Automated detection will not only thwart the suspicious activity, but it will provide real-time alerts for your team to react to the specific data that’s potentially compromised, so you can get ahead of any further threats. Additionally, you’ll be able to stay ahead of the curve by understanding potential vulnerabilities in your current system.
DON’T — Assume Your Employees Know What to Do
Your employees are likely assets to your business, except in the case of dark web cybersecurity. Stanford University researchers discovered that nearly 88 percent of all data breaches were caused by an employee mistake. And even if they do know how to detect a suspicious email or link, more often than not, the leading cause of a victim falling for phishing scams is distraction. Take the time to invest in cybersecurity trainings, business continuity plans and response plans for your team. These small windows of time could eventually mean the difference between growth or closure of your business. Don’t leave it to chance.
DO — Have a Password Management System
Password management systems and software can help your team create unique passwords and add an extra layer of cybersecurity and dark web protection. And with 42 percent of companies relying on sticky notes to manage their passwords, it’s certainly a worthwhile and simple solution. These systems focus on password security, character variance and automated password update notifications to ensure your team stays safe and sound over the long term.
DON’T — Leave Software and Hardware Unpatched
Did you know that 60 percent of data breaches exploited weaknesses in software for which a patch or security update was available and not applied? By not patching your software and hardware, you leave the door wide open for malicious actors from the dark web to access your systems and data. Best practice calls for updating your security tools regularly and as soon as they become available. Setting automated security updates can also ensure your entire team stays compliant with best practices.
DO — Partner with an Expert
Trying to keep up with the evolution of cyberthreats, the newest technology and best practices can be exhausting, especially if you don’t have years of experience under your belt. That’s why it’s best to partner with a managed service provider, like NetConnect. Our diverse background spanning across numerous industries and tools allows us to respond faster and with the precision needed to protect your business. MSPs also offer insights into technology trends, ways to promote growth and managing security in a customized fashion that allows you to plan ahead.
Reduce Your Stress with Expert Guidance
Whether you just want an extra layer of security or are looking for a more robust partnership that offers strategic guidance, NetConnect is your number one choice. To learn more about the strategic technology services we offer, connect with one of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives today.