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Quick Wins – Your Cyber Security Checklist

With the risk of cybercrime rising, prevention is the most effective way to protect your business and your clients. 

While every business's needs are different, there are some simple measures you can take to help keep you and your business safe. 
 
1. Set secure passphrases
Passphrases are much harder to crack but easier to remember. Don't use the same passphrase more than once because if that passphrase is compromised, cybercriminals could gain access to your other accounts with the same passphrase. 

2. Back up your files regularly 
This means you can restore your files if they are stolen, or something goes wrong. It's important to do this regularly to ensure you have your most up-to-date files, photos, documents, or videos backed up. You can set up automatic backups, so this won't have to take up too much of your time. Learn how to back up Microsoft Windows here, Apple Mac laptops or computers here, or iPhones here.

3. Train your team on the common scams
By understanding what to look for, you know what to avoid. Familiarise yourself with common scams, such as dating scams or phishing emails and messages and report it to ReportCyber before the damage is done.

4. Think before you click 
Take a moment to think before opening any attachments or links in an email – especially one you weren't expecting. If you're still unsure, reach out to the person or company who sent it to check whether it's legitimate. Once you've recognised something as a scam, don't reply, click on any links, or open any attachments. Report the scam to ReportCyber and follow the advice.

5. Update your devices 
These are one of the simplest yet strongest defenses. Newer versions of the software are less vulnerable to attacks as they address security concerns or gaps. It's a good idea to turn on automatic updates, so you don't need to worry about remembering when a new update is released.

6. Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA)
These extra checks prove your identity when you sign in or use an account. It could be a text, email, fingerprint or a series of questions. To learn more about MFA and how to turn it on for different accounts, visit here.

7. Develop a Cyber Incident Response plan for your business 

Agile CyberCare covers small businesses against cyber threats and data breaches, including 24/7 emergency response for incidents.

Cyber Liability Insurance is designed to help protect you from claims and support your profitability in the event of a cyber breach or attack.

Agile CyberSelect is aimed at mid-market to corporate clients and is a comprehensive Cyber Insurance policy with 16 policy benefits and 24/7 incident response.

These extra checks prove your identity when you sign in or use an account. It could be a text, email, fingerprint or a series of questions. To learn more about MFA and how to turn it on for different accounts, visit here.

7. Develop a Cyber Incident Response plan for your business 
Businesses often think about it too late, but a documented plan can help ensure an effective response and recovery, but a documented plan can help ensure an effective response and recovery. This plan should align with your organisation's emergency, crisis, and business continuity plans. Developing the plan is also a chance to assess the security of your business and fill gaps. To learn how to create yours, visit here
 
8. Assess the security of your website
The majority of small businesses have a website nowadays, and these are becoming a target for cybercriminals. Making sure to use HTTPS and secure your e-commerce sites are just some examples. Do an audit of your website and see where you could improve using this ACSC checklist.
 
9. Consider a password manager
Remembering passwords for every account can be difficult for most of us, which is why password managers have become popular. This help manage passwords for all of your accounts, and you’ll only need to remember one master password. Learn more about this technology here.

Don't wait until it's too late - Let Insurance HQ help you stay one step ahead of cyber threats.

Source: Steadfast
General Advice Warning: This advice is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the advice is appropriate for you and your personal circumstances. Before you make any decision about whether to acquire a certain product, you should obtain and read the relevant product disclosure statement.

All information above has been provided by the author.


Adam Pile, Insurance HQ Pty Ltd, ABN 33606759228, AFSL 363610

This article originally appeared on Insurance HQ and has been published here with permission.

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