Staying a step ahead of cyber criminals is one of the best ways to embody the spirit of Generation Cyber Safe. Let’s look to Gen X for guidance on this one: they know it’s one of the easiest ways you can avoid online threats, especially in professional settings where the stakes are high. In fact, 59%Footnote 1 of Gen X business owners say their company files are backed up regularly.
Let's dive into how you can follow in their footsteps and be proactive about online threats as part of Generation Cyber Safe.
Schedule and automate backups
In the event of a cyber attack like ransomware, backups are your first line of defence against losing data. Set up automatic backups on your personal and business devices to ensure that your data is always saved somewhere safe. Schedule these backups to run regularly to maintain updated copies of your critical information.
It’s equally important to test your back ups regularly to make sure they can be restored without issues. Make it a habit to verify that your backups are working correctly and that you can recover your data when needed.
Store data safely
Whether you use cloud storage, external hard drives or a hybrid approach, finding one or more ways to store data that works for you is an important part of protecting your information. Cloud storage offers easy accessibility, while physical storage provides a secure offline backup. Consider your needs and choose the best combination to keep your data protected.
Make your business more cyber safe
Informing yourself and your team about cyber security threats and best practices is essential. Regular training sessions can help everyone recognize and respond to cyber threats like phishing and ransomware. Make use of resources such as online courses, workshops and webinars to stay informed about the latest cyber security trends and techniques.
Having an incident response plan is important for any small or medium business. Make sure your incident response plan includes the processes and procedures to follow to detect, respond and recover from a cyber incident. Regularly update and test your response plan to make sure it works for you.
Remember that remote or hybrid work introduces additional cyber security challenges. Ensure employees use secure Wi-Fi connections, a virtual private network (VPN) and follow company your cyber security plan when working remotely. Provide them with the necessary tools and training to maintain a secure work environment regardless of their location.
Conclusion
Being proactive in your cyber security practices is all about awareness and being prepared to respond effectively. By securing your backups and maintaining good cyber security, you can protect yourself and your business as a member of Generation Cyber Safe!