How can a business protect itself from cyberthreats?

For many California businesses, cyberthreats are a serious concern. According to Security Intelligence, 50 percent of small and midsized businesses face some sort of cyberattack over the course of a single year. Not only do many companies face potential online troubles at the hands of hackers and other cyberbullies, but these threats can be quite costly. It could cost an organization $955,429 to restore itself after an attack, and that is not including the price of the assets stolen or the disagreements that may result because of the breach.

Training employees

Some viruses are able to penetrate a system because of human error. While it is impossible to completely negate human error, company executives can strengthen this potential weak spot through consistent training for their workers at all levels. Employees should know how to properly handle sensitive customer information, create strong passwords and avoid virus-filled emails. By training new employees and holding regular seminars for longtime workers, business leaders may be able to provide extra protection for their organization. Proper training can also help workers notice the dangerous signs of improper business practices.

Safeguarding customer information

Many hackers go after the personal information companies have about customers. For example, if an online retail store keeps the payment information of its loyal patrons, a hacker may choose to go after this financial data and use it to make purchases of his or her own. One surefire way to protect the sensitive information about clients is to avoid saving any more than is needed.

Reviewing security measures

Once a security system is in place, business owners may be tempted to forget about the looming cyber threats. However, it is prudent they regularly review their security. This can be done through tests that search for weaknesses in a network. By performing vulnerability tests monthly, a company may have a better chance of noticing a new weak point in their cyber security before a breach is made.

Installing security systems

Anti-virus, web content filtering, spyware and anti-spam programs can go a long way toward making a company more secure against computer-related threats. The security appliances put in place should work together to create a well-rounded blanket of protection for the business. Smart cyber safekeeping practices include the following:

• Protecting the computers through up-to-date spyware and anti-virus software.
• Guarding email services by hosting them externally.
• Watching the gateway of the network with web content filtering and anti-virus programs.

Business owners can make sure their company’s information is kept safe by incorporating a variety of security systems into the network.

In California, it is important for corporations to protect themselves from cyberattacks to ensure the company’s and client’s information is kept secure even in the face of a looming threat. If a breach does occur, it might be beneficial to work with an attorney who is familiar with business organization laws.

Mark Wilson, a trial attorney, has won nearly every case he has tried or arbitrated. He lost only one jury trial and obtained a complete reversal on appeal. Mr. Wilson represents clients in business litigation and legal malpractice cases and was named in the 2017 – 2020 SuperLawyers Top 50 Orange County lists. Mr. Wilson is a California State Bar certified specialist in Legal Malpractice Law and can be reached at 949-239-0907; [email protected]; https://www.kleinandwilson.com