Cyber Threat: 5 Key Ways Your Business Computer Can Be Hacked

With so many people working from home and computers now a necessity for any business, the risk of internet hacking has never been so great. Businesses can lose thousands of dollars, clients, and more due to a cyber threat. The best way to prevent these incidents is to know what to look out for and stop them before they start.

Sometimes it’s as easy as avoiding unknown links, but it can be more complicated. Things change in the online world every day, so it’s crucial to keep up to date with the possible risks your company might face.

Weak Passwords

Using a strong password might feel like a no-brainer, but it can be easy to forget or overlook. Not everyone wants to worry about remembering a complicated phrase or string of symbols to protect their information. However, using a weak password, and the same password over and over, can make cyber attacks much easier. 

Ensuring that everyone is on the same page and using some best practices when working online can keep the whole business safe. Training employees on the significance of internet security can help prevent future trouble.

Overly Social

You might think that having an open and informative social media presence wouldn’t affect your job, but it can be a reason some businesses get hacked. People looking for a way in may find useful personal details on your social media and use that to get you to click on infected links or send ads to others in your company. Keeping your social media private and hidden from hackers can help keep you and others safe.

Phishing

Phishing emails are one of the main ways a business computer can get hacked. Like with social media and your online presence, phishing emails are made to look like they’re from someone you know, be it a colleague, client, or friend. They might wish you a happy birthday or be sending you something work-related.

If you aren’t sure about a link or about the sender, do not click it. Report it immediately to higher-ups so they can also notify staff of possible scams and stop those emails before they reach inboxes. 

Ransomware

Ransomware is a more recent trend in cyber attacks, and involves hackers acquiring your data. They will hold it for ransom and require a fee before you get it back. If one of these attacks occurs, you’re more likely to never see that data again.

This can be stopped by backing up your data regularly and making sure everyone knows to avoid clicking on suspicious links, attachments, or visiting unsafe websites that could lead to a hack happening. 

Malware

Malware attacks are downloaded onto your computer and then able to catch anything you do, including your data and passwords. You can use software to detect and block malware from downloading onto your computer, but be sure to keep it updated and running so it works properly.

Don’t Feel Threatened by a Cyber Threat

The best way to prevent a cyber threat from harming your business is to know what to look for and be protected from threats before they happen. If everyone knows what a phishing email looks like and what to avoid clicking on, posting, etc. then you can stop cyber attacks from harming your business. 

Stay vigilant, well informed, and up-to-date, and you’ll be able to run your business smoothly. And if you found this helpful, keep reading for more good tech tips.