What the Business Pros Know

10 Cybersecurity Tips to Help You Protect Your Data

September 1, 2024

Andrew Gilstrap

In an era where digital connectivity is woven into every facet of our lives, the importance of protecting personal and organizational data is more critical than ever before. With the rise of sophisticated cyber threats and data breaches, understanding how to shield sensitive information from unauthorized access is crucial.

Protecting personal and organizational data from cyber threats involves a combination of proactive measures, best practices, and tools. Here are 10 Cybersecurity Tips to get you started:

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Length: Use passwords that are at least 12-16 characters long — the longer the better.
Create Complex Passwords: A mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters (!, @, #, $).
Avoid Common Passwords: Don’t use the same password, or easily guessable passwords like “password123” or personal information.
Uniqueness: Use a different password for each account to prevent a breach on one site from compromising others.

2. Increase Security with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA requires a second form of verification (like a code sent to your phone) in addition to your password.
Use Authenticator Apps to provide secure codes.

3. Regularly Update Software and Systems

Ensure operating systems, software, and applications are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
Where possible, set your devices and applications to update automatically.

4. Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software

Use well-regarded antivirus and anti-malware programs to detect and remove threats.
Ensure virus definitions are regularly updated to protect against new threats.

5. Backup Data Regularly

Store backups both on external drives and in the cloud.
Set up regular, automatic backups to minimize data loss.

6. Secure Your Network

Install and configure a firewall to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic.
Use strong passwords and WPA3 (or WPA2 if WPA3 is not available) for Wi-Fi networks. Disable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) if possible.
Keep an eye on unusual activity or unauthorized access attempts.

7. Educate and Train Users

Implement a robust threat detection system to recognize phishing emails and avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments.
Regularly educate staff and family members about safe online practices and security awareness.

8. Implement Access Controls

Grant the least amount of access necessary for users to perform
their jobs.
Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to manage permissions based on job roles.

9. Secure Physical Devices

Use screen locks and encryption to protect data on mobile devices and laptops.
Be mindful of physical security in public places and consider using security cables or locks.

10. Monitor and Respond to Security Incidents

Use security information and event management (SIEM) tools to detect and respond to threats.
Develop and regularly update a plan for responding to security breaches and other incidents.

BONUS TIP: Maintain Compliance

Ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and industry standards.
Perform security audits and assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities.

By implementing these tips, you can significantly enhance your ability to protect personal and organizational data from cyber threats.

If your IT Team needs assistance implementing these precautionary, security protocols, contact GFI Digital today to learn more about cybersecurity best practices.

Andrew Gilstrap
Vice President

Andrew graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. Prior to joining the GFI Digital team, Andrew was Director of Operations for Sangita Capital Partners. Andrew came to GFI Digital in the summer of 2016 with over eight years of sales and management experience. He spent three years as a sales manager in St. Louis, 5 years as Managing Director in Kansas City, and and now serves as Vice President.