5 Ways to Protect Yourself from Cyber Threats

Technological advancements have become increasingly more robust, making the digital landscape even easier to manipulate. Not taking security and privacy seriously enough could cost you. Here are five ways with explainer videos, featuring Microsoft solutions, to protect your personal and professional data from cyber threats. 

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA is one of the most effective, yet under-utilized security measures for organizations and individuals. The vast majority of breaches begin with compromised passwords—they are the single weakest link in most security strategies. This is why MFA can be so valuable. Microsoft says that MFA can prevent 99.9% of all automated cyberattacks, when properly implemented. 

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides another layer of security by requiring two or more of the following authentication methods: Something you know (typically a password), Something you have (a trusted device that is not easily duplicated, like a phone), Something you are (biometrics).

To make accounts more secure, it is important to have multi-step sign-in process. Your sign-in is one factor ­­- something that you know. A second factor is something that is unique to you such as your phone, the swipe of your finger or face recognition.

Protect Yourself From Malware

Malware consists of viruses, spyware and other malicious software. It can be delivered as part of an email with an attached file that claims to be a receipt for a delivery, tax refund, or invoice for a ticket. Malware emails are highly deceptive, making it easy for people to believe they are real and download malicious files. 

First, keep computer operating systems up to date as well as all software. Vulnerability patches are built into updates using threat intelligence in order to protect against known ransomware and malware. As additional protection, Microsoft 365 includes anti-malware mechanisms including:

• Automatic scans of the environment
• Periodic scans of the file system (at least weekly)
• Real-time scans of files as they’re downloaded, opened, or executed
• Automatic download and application of signature updates at least daily from the vendor’s virus definition site
• Alerting, cleaning, and mitigation of detected malware

Beware of Tech Support Scams

A few important things to know about tech support scam is that legitimate tech companies will not contact you directly about a problem with your device and they will not ask you call them via pop-up notifications. With this framework in mind, you can reduce your chances of being scammed. This video explains how.

Phishing

Phishing is another widespread type of attack that can be signficantly reduced with increased awareness and improved controls.

Phishing refers to an attack that convinces you to give away your personal information as an attempt to steal your money or identity. Similar to malware and tech support scams, phishing is deceiving as cybercriminals pretend to be reputable companies.

While all of your employees are likely using email to conduct business, they may not all be aware of phishing attacks or the risk they pose. According to a 2021 cybersecurity threat trends report, when a phishing link is sent to employees, more than 8 out of 10 organizations had at least one employee click on the malicious link.

Use this video to help spread awareness of phishing.

Protect the Home Office

We often don’t think of security from the safety of our homes, making us even more vulnerable to cyber threats. A relatively simple step to make your home environment more secure is to make sure you have wireless security via your Wi-Fi system. Another step for protecting yourself is to update your Windows, apps, and browser in an efficient manner. These updates often consider and protect you from new threats. Finally, make sure you have a secure way to sign in. Have a strong password or use Microsoft’s tool Windows Hello, which allows you to use your face, a fingerprint or a PIN number to sign in. 

How iVision Can Help

Cybersecurity and privacy protections are often overlooked, but critical components to keeping your business’s assets and people protected. Preventing a breach before it happens will save you time, money, and your reputation. Make sure you’re doing it right by trusting the experts at iVision with setting up and enhancing your email security.

Our team of experts can help create a comprehensive plan that starts with an assessment of your current needs and gaps, so that we can tailor the right mix of planning, practices, technology and ongoing protections to secure your email environment.

Our highly qualified team can help your business by:

• Identifying threats and vulnerabilities
• Prioritizing cybersecurity needs
• Remediating existing cyber vulnerabilities and threats
• Hardening your environment to protect against future threats
• Meeting and exceeding compliance standards

Get the guidance and capabilities you need for peace of mind knowing your sensitive business assets are safeguarded. We can help you navigate the rapidly-evolving cybersecurity landscape and secure your business now and in the future against the constantly changing range of cyber threats.

To get started, speak with one of our cybersecurity advisors today.