Published on: 02 February 2023
Last Updated on: 13 September 2024
Ransomware attacks are on the rise. Because there’s currently no way to recover data once it has been encrypted by ransomware, it’s important to do everything in your power to prevent it from happening to you in the first place.
Here are steps and cyber security training you can take right now to help protect yourself against this cyber threat and all of its potentially devastating consequences.
Top 8 Ways To Prevent A Ransomware Attack
1. Maintain Backups
It’s important to maintain at least two copies of your data: one that remains in your possession and another which is backed up to offsite storage every night. Since you can’t access the backup version if you have been infected by ransomware, it’s important that you keep a second copy in a secure offline location. That way, even if the malware does encrypt your files, the ability to restore them will still exist.
2. Encrypt Files
You should encrypt all of your files before you send them over to your computer’s backup location, and also make sure that you have full, expert-level encryption as well as a strong password in place on the backup drive. Better safe than sorry.
3. Update Your Software
As with all software, there are always patches and updates available for your antivirus or anti-malware software that could prevent ransomware from taking hold in the first place. If you’re using endpoint protection software, make sure the update has been applied. If you’re using a third-party antivirus or anti-malware package, get it to update as well.
4. Develop Plans and Policies
Ransomware is a major threat to your business, and it can cause a major loss of revenue if you don’t have a plan in place to prevent it. Therefore, it’s important that you ensure that you have a backup policy and disaster recovery plan in place so that your company can act quickly in the event of a ransomware attack. Developing software protection policies, training users on backup procedures, and conducting penetration testing to find vulnerabilities and malicious activity are all effective ways of creating an effective prevention strategy.
5. Train the Team
You should train your team on how to respond should they encounter ransomware, how to avoid it happening in the first place, and what they can do if they do get compromised. Anti-malware software will help them recognize and protect against ransomware, but only if they know how to use it. The more training they receive, the better they will be at spotting ransomware, and the more likely they’ll be able to take action quickly when it occurs.
6. Monitor Files and Network Activities
Part of creating an effective backup plan is knowing where your files are located so that you can restore them. That way, if your computer is compromised, you can restore the files from your backup. You should also be monitoring for unauthorized access to both file-hosting and FTP sites. Additionally, it’s important to monitor all of the network activity from your computer so that you can determine if someone is trying to gain access to machines that aren’t theirs.
7. Implement an IDS
An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a network security tool designed to detect and block network intrusions, such as attempts to gain unauthorized access. Since ransomware will attempt to disguise itself in order to get past an IDS and infect your computer, it’s important that you implement one for your entire network. The IDS should be able to detect anything that looks out of the ordinary and will immediately notify you so that you can take action.
8. Implement an Antivirus Policy
The best way to protect your computer is with antivirus software, which automatically scans all of the files stored on your machine and makes sure that they are virus-free before you load them onto a machine.
When your computer is infected, the antivirus program automatically starts working to detect and remove the malware. The best antivirus programs also have the ability to detect zero-day threats, which are new viruses that haven’t even been discovered yet.
Ransomware is a major threat to your business, so it’s important that you take the above steps and cyber security training immediately to help protect yourself against this cyber threat and all of its potentially devastating consequences. It’s also important that you remember these steps when figuring out how best to protect your computer against ransomware, as well as those in your network.
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
A single data breach can expose tens of millions of customers to spam, scams, identity theft, fraud, and more. It’s also a quick, easy way to destroy your brand reputation and lose a massive chunk of your customer base.
In the worst-case scenario, you could end up paying millions of dollars in fines. If serious enough, your team members or executives could even face some jail time.
But customer data still needs to be kept safe and private, even when the risks are far less grand in scale. Simply leaking your customers’ email addresses and exposing them to junk mail can erode their trust in you.
To protect your customers and assuage any customer concerns, always handle their data with care. Here are a few important ways to protect data, limit the risks, and put your customers at ease.
1. Use Zero Party Data
Perhaps the best way to put customers at ease about their data is to give them more control over what you know. Letting them decide what they share with you — and don’t — can protect their privacy and boost your brand reputation.
Giving customers a chance to consent or opt out of sharing first-party data when they visit your site or app is a nice touch. But if you really want to put your customers in the data driver's seat, zero party data is the way to go.
With zero-party data, your customers and prospects respond to surveys, polls, questionnaires, and more. These inputs can be used to personalize their experience, or anonymized and aggregated to help your brand make data-driven decisions.
Either way, when customers provide this data, they usually expect some kind of user benefit. A personalized product recommendation, useful content, or a customized landing page are all ways to deliver that small reward.
2. Be Transparent
Ideally, you should tell all of your customers exactly what you collect, what you use it for, and why. As long as you’re not up to anything nefarious (you aren’t, right?) transparency should be as simple as a brief pop-up disclaimer.
In fact, transparency could help improve your credibility and customer trust in your brand. And that trust can in turn have a direct impact on your business growth and performance.
It’s particularly important not to collect any extra bits of customer data you don’t need and they haven’t agreed to share. Gathering and storing extraneous data heightens the risk to your customers if there’s a breach. In some countries, regions, or industries, it could even be illegal.
Besides all this, it can take up unnecessary room on servers, cloud storage, etc. To be on the safe side, always get permission from customers before collecting any kind of data.
3. Anonymize and Encrypt
Some of the worst data breaches on record have also turned out to be some of the most ridiculous. Companies have accidentally leaked massive spreadsheets with customer names, addresses, passwords, and credit card data all linked together. But even anonymizing data doesn’t necessarily give customers any real protection or privacy. It’s all too easy to put two-and-two together and figure out someone’s identity.
To ensure that data is truly safe, your company should always use the latest encryption methods and data protection protocols. Consult with experts about the best practices, software programs, and other tools to suit your company’s needs.
Data security is not the place to cut corners, so be willing to dedicate a significant portion of your budget to protecting customers. Otherwise, you risk putting them in danger of identity theft, financial loss, reputational damage, and more.
4. Train Employees and Vet Vendors
Customer data should be kept strictly confidential and only shared with employees and vendors on a need-to-know basis. Your employees need to understand how crucial it is to protect sensitive data and how exactly they need to do it.
Before handling potentially sensitive data, employees should undergo appropriate screenings and training. Train them not to share details like passwords or door codes, and limit access to sensitive cabinets, rooms, or computers.
Third-party vendors and contractors can be a potential cause of concern for data privacy. That’s why it’s important to carefully vet them, just as you would employees. The more you share data, the higher the risk of a breach or exposure along the way. If a vendor has access to your data, and its systems are compromised, your data could be leaked. Or, bad actors at the company you shared with could use the data in unsafe or inappropriate ways.
Worst-Case Scenarios
In the event that a data leak or cybersecurity event does occur, your company should have an emergency plan in place. Know what you’ll do in the event of a breach — how you’ll stop it from progressing and contain the damage.
The plan should clearly indicate roles and responsibilities and include considerations for various scenarios. Many companies, universities, and government agencies have their plans publicly available online, as a resource.
Whatever you do, never attempt to conceal a data breach from the media, your customers, or the public. You could end up facing fines, lawsuits, sanctions, jail time, and irrevocably brand-damaging press. Instead, own up to the breach immediately and let your customers know how you plan to handle it. In order to earn back their trust, you’ll have to prove you know how to do the right thing.
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5 Ways To Prevent Cyber Attacks
Today, we all use a hell of the software comprising lots of malware and antiviruses. For example, there are several antivirus for Chromebook. So you need to select the correct one at your end.
You have to understand these facts, which can help you make things work well in your way. You will get to know some of the core factors from this article.
Proper planning can make things work well in your way within a stipulated time frame.
Best Antivirus For Chrome Book In 2022
Several antiviruses for chrome books can safeguard your system from damage to software. But, first, you have to identify the facts that can help you make things work well in your way.
1. Avast Antivirus
Avast Antivirus was launched by Eduard Kucera and Pavel Baudi in 1988. It is one of the safest antiviruses we can look through in 2022. Therefore, you need to identify these facts while you want to achieve your goals.
The Best Antivirus For Chromebooks Are As Follows:-
It offers effective password management against the hacker's defense.
Ensure Speedier connection to the antivirus Chromebooks.
It offers the WIfi inspections to make things work in your way.
Its price ranges from $29.99 to $ 39.99
2. Malware Bytes Security
Malware Bytes offers specially managed Chromebook technologies. It targets the malware, software, and potentially unwanted programs. In most cases, it protects your browser from browser hijackers.
Some of the core advantages of Malware Bytes Security are as follows:-
It will help you in fighting the scams.
It helps in safeguarding personal information and screening the malware.
It offers four-layer protection to keep the browser and software protection safe from any infections.
It keeps the software packages safe from infection.
Make a selection for the free antivirus for Chromebook.
The prices of this antivirus may range between $49.99 to $89.99
3. Avira Antivirus
Avira Antivirus for Chromebook is one of the best built-in Antivirus for the chrome book. It offers maximum protection at a minimum time frame. You need to know these facts while achieving your goals effectively.
Some of its core advantages are as follows:-
It analyzes the local files and safeguards local data from any kind of disastrous attacks.
It protects the PIN of your apps.
Optimizes the VPN monitor apps.
It does not slow down your PC.
Its price ranges from $35.99 to $82.99
4. AVG Antivirus
It offers anti-theft options to help you remove the malware in real-time. AVG technologies created this malware. It is a free antivirus for Chromebook. It will provide maximum exposure within a shorter time frame.
Some Of the advantages of AVG Antivirus are as follows:-
It offers high-class security to your browser.
You can select up to 10 devices to protect yourself with this antivirus.
It comprises an intelligent scanner.
The anti-theft and camera trap camera for the users.
Its price ranges from $26.99 to $35.99
5. Bite Finder Antivirus Free
Bite Finder is another best Antivirus program that can help you make things work well in your way. It offers outstanding malware protection that can help you make things work in your way at the right time.
The benefits of Bitdefender Antivirus Are As Follows:-
It helps to protect the user's personal information and bank account protection.
It protects you against nefarious criminal acts.
Reduces the chances of email threats and data breaches.
It can block harmful websites to make things work well in your way.
The price of the Bite Finder will range from $39.99 to $89.99
6. Total AV
The Total AV is one of the best free antiviruses for the chrome book. Moreover, it is one of the best antiviruses you must have with you to protect your valuable data from hackers' clutches. You need to know these facts while you want to gain momentum in the work process.
The benefits of Total AV Are As Follows:-
It safeguards users against malwares and apps.
Harmful apps and extensions cannot affect the user.
The price of this Total AV ranges from $19-$59 per year.
7. ESET
ESET are some of the common antiviruses for chrome books that can help you to protect yourself from the scope of data breaches. You need to identify some of the core advantages of this Chromebook to make things work well in your way.
The benefits of ESET are as follows:-
It protects the users from malware scanning technologies.
It will warn you about some of the potential dangers.
Comprises a user-friendly interface.
The prices may range from $39.99 to $59.99
8. Scan Guard
It is also one of the best antiviruses for Chromebook which will scan the data in real-time. It can help you to achieve your objectives effectively.
Some of the advantages of Chromebook Antivirus Are As follows:-
It is quarantined and removes the malware from your browser.
Adware Trojans and viruses are the best solutions for it.
Across different platforms, it offers maximum security.
The scan guard plan ranges from $24.95 yearly.
9. Kaspersky Internet Security
Kaspersky is one of the most antiviruses for malware protection as it fosters a higher rate of productivity. It can help you to achieve your objectives of protecting the browser effectively.
Some of its advantages are as follows:-
It offers malware-free online content.
Users are making use of the virtual keyboard.
Prevents personal information from being leaked.
Its prices range from $39.99 per year.
10. Norton 360
Norton antivirus for Chromebook is another best antivirus that can provide your browser with absolute security within a shorter span of time. It can make things work well in your way at the right time.
Some of the core advantages of Norton 360 are as follows:-
The android app can work great on chrome.
It offers 100% protection against malware.
Lifelock was remarkably useful.
Offers Excellent Customer service.
Its price ranges from $19-$39.66 per year.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Question):
1. Should You Put Antivirus On The Chromebook? Yes! Chromebook is most immune to malware. This is because it has built-in security features. In most cases, it is not a hundred percent safe but still good enough to remove the antivirus. Due to this fact, you have to understand these matters to make things work well in your way. 2. What Is The Best Virus Guard In 2022? One of the best antivirus today is Bite Defender. You may be familiar with Avast, Macfee, and AVG. Bitdefender antivirus plus is one of the best virus guards in 2022, which you need to consider at your end while using for your system security. 3. What Is The Best Antivirus For 2022? Bite defender is one of the best antiviruses for 2022, which you must consider at your end while you make use of it. Ensure that you do not make your selection the wrong way while achieving your goals effectively. It can make things easier and more effective for achieving your objectives. 4. Is Bitefinder Still The Best? It is top-of-the-world antivirus software that can help you make things work well in your way at the correct point in time. It is one of the best AV comparatives products for the year award, which you will receive four times a year. Ensure that you do not make your selection in the wrong way. 5. Is Kaspersky Better Than Bite Finder? No Bitefinder is better than Kaspersky. Kaspersky offers a 99.5% protection rate, whereas Bitefinder provides a 99.9% protection rate. Therefore, it can make things better for you to achieve your goals. You need to choose the right track to achieve your goals.
Final Take Away
Hence, these are some of the best antiviruses for Chromebook which you can try at your end in 2022. You need to know these facts while you want to achieve your goals effectively. Before selecting the antivirus, ensure its capacity to protect your Chromebook efficiently.
Feel free to share your views, ideas, and opinions to make things work well in your way. However, ensure you do not make your selection in an error-free way while achieving your objectives. The more you can think actively, the better you can reach your goals.
These are some of the core factors to make things work well in your way at the right time. Ensure that your selection must be made on the right track. Effective planning can help you to achieve your objectives in the right way.
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Five Tips to Make Sure Your Security Software Its Actually Secure
With the rise of digitization, there has been a rise in cybercrime.
In fact, when a cyberattack happens, it harms a company directly and indirectly. Also, it affects its reputation in its potential customers’ eyes. In fact, you cannot count but estimate the loss that happens. Hence, it is important to ensure e-commerce website security.
In this article, you will learn about the top fourteen ways to ensure e-commerce website security. However, before that, it is also important to understand the importance of ensuring security in e-commerce websites. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.
Importance Of E-Commerce Website Security
In 2024, most businesses are working in the online framework. Their revenues heavily depend on their websites.
If they do not emphasize their website’s security, their customer base and reputation will become vulnerable.
As an eCommerce website owner, you need to comply with certain payment guidelines. These include PCI/DSS (Payment Card Industry – Data Security Standard) to ensure smooth payment transactions.
Moreover, you need to install security protocols to secure your data integrity. They will not only protect your customer data from hackers but also keep the search engines satisfied.
Thus, security is essential for your eCommerce website.
Top 14 Ways To Ensure E-Commerce Website Security
The following are some of the major cybersecurity features you must ensure on your website:
1. Implement 2-factor Authentication
Does not matter how frustrating it may sound. As long as you are keeping your customer’s data secure, every security method is fine.
Employing 2-factor authentication may make your customers a bit agitated. They first enter the login credentials and then enter the OTP received on their number to decrease security breaches and hacks drastically.
So, employ the process and safeguard your customer accounts.
2. Get HTTPs And SSL Certification
To obtain HTTPS authentication businesses need an SSL certificate to be installed on a website. Before installation, you need to buy an SSL certificate. This is because it encrypts the data communication between the server and the client.
Then, it passes the data over a secure network through cryptographic functions (symmetric & asymmetric). This keeps cybercriminals from intercepting the communication.
Out of all the SSL certificates, the EV SSL certificates require a user to undergo a unique validation process to verify his credibility through his name, ID, address, and more.
Thus, get an EV SSL to secure your Ecommerce website and obtain the highest validation level.
3. Comply With PCI-DSS Guidelines For A Secure Payment Gateway System
PCI-DSS or Payment Card Industry – Data Security Standard is a body that governs a website’s right to maintain an online payment transaction system.
If you are a website that sees over six million transactions every year, you must be level 1 compliant. However, if your transactions range from 20,000 per year, you are safe as a level 4 client of PCI-DSS.
The compliance helps you to secure your payment gateway system. Also, it allows you to use a third-party app to accept payments and make refunds on your behalf.
4. Use A VPN As A Night Watchman
When you use public networks such as Wi-Fis to access the site, it is better to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to watch your back and restrict other connections to manipulate the ongoing connection between the server and the client.
Without a VPN, hackers can easily manipulate the payment transaction and hack credit and debit card details.
VPN will secure your customers’ payment transactions even on Wi-Fi and keep their sensitive data as safe as houses.
5. Restrict Malicious Bots Using reCAPTCHA
The reCAPTCHA method is extremely effective in keeping hackers at bay. Basically, ReCAPTCHA generates random questions that a bot cannot answer.
There are plenty of malicious bots lurking around the internet in hopes of finding an ideal prey for cybercriminals.
When they get access to your account, malicious bots can steal information, leak it, or even bring your site down.
ReCAPTCHA adds an extensive layer of security that is impenetrable for a code or a bot.
It restricts bad guys’ entrance by protecting login pages, signup pages, contact form pages, form submission pages, payment gateway pages, etc.
6. Start Using A Reliable Content Management System (CMS)
Choosing the right CMS is important for businesses to determine whether an eCommerce website will stay safe.
Mediocre CMSs are a big risk to have. They might help you save a few bucks, but you will always be vulnerable to theft.
But, CMSs like WordPress and Joomla have renounced entities having customer bases in millions.
Moreover, they are regular in updating security patches and always stay a step ahead of the bad guys.
The only thing you need to do is keep them updated.
7. Do Not Use Unsolicited Extensions And Plugins
Plugins and extensions are necessary to enhance your website’s reach. They allow you access to multiple tools and features on the internet.
However, not all plugins are safe to install. These days, due to rising cybercrimes, you must be aware of what you’re installing or adding.
Cybercriminals can engrave malicious codes in the plugins, and when a user installs it, they get access to his site.
Before installing any plugin, make sure that its source is known. Check for its reviews and ratings across the internet.
Also, check its performance reports and badges for further inquiry and self-satisfaction.
8. Perform Audits For Site Security
Site security auditing does not interest a lot of merchants, but it is essential for their survival.
Site security auditing includes checking whether the anti-virus is working appropriately and whether security protocols are repelling attacks or not.
As a merchant, you must initiate site auditing from time to time. It will help you prevent attacks and fix bugs and technical glitches.
If detected early, some security issues can be repelled; otherwise, they may harm the website if they stay for longer periods.
So, keep auditing your website at regular intervals of time.
9. Install A Firewall In Your Web Application
If you own a web application, the firewall can benefit you immensely.
Web Application Firewall or WAF protects the website or web app by analyzing the traffic between the application and the internet.
A firewall protects the user data of the application from XSS (cross-site scripting), SQL injection, cross-site request forgery, etc.
A firewall is the need of the hour to suffice the mounting cyberattacks and help sustain the business.
10. Perform Data-Backup Regularly
In today’s tech world, data is more important than cash in your wallet. Here, you can earn cash again. However, once you lose data, you cannot retrieve them in the same proportion.
For businesses, data is their lifeline. They thrive on data and channel their operations accordingly.
Since it is immensely important, protecting it is quite a task for businesses as cybercriminals are always on the lookout for data.
The best way to protect your data is by creating a copy of it and saving it on the cloud.
Cloud allows you to access your data anywhere at any time, making it extremely reliable.
11. Regular Software Updates
Regular software updates are crucial for e-commerce website security since they come with patches that deal with vulnerabilities. Additionally, since developers always research and improve cybersecurity, new updates let you access the latest features.
In fact, they protect your website from new threats like ransomware. Also, it offers protection against data breach attempts. Moreover, software updates also let your website meet the compliance requirements of the e-commerce industry.
Furthermore, it also helps in improving the overall performance of your e-commerce website.
12. Strong Password Policies
Firstly, if there is a strong password policy, cyber criminals will not gain unauthorized access to the website.
As a result, you can also prevent financial losses that may happen to your business. Moreover, you can also save your business from reputational damage.
Generally, cybercriminals and hackers use weak passwords to penetrate networks. Thereby, they stop your business’s critical processes. Hence, with a strong password policy, you can ensure e-commerce website security.
13. Use A Secure Hosting Environment
A secure hosting environment protects your e-commerce website from various security threats. These include hacking, data breaches, malware, etc.
Apart from that, it also helps to maintain your site’s integrity. Also, it helps you to protect sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. Additionally, it also offers protection against DDoS attacks
Moreover, site downtime negatively affects your search engine ranking. Here, a secure hosting environment can help you a lot.
14. Focus On User Education And Training
If you invest in user education and training, you can help them respond to cybersecurity threats. Basically, your users will learn to identify and respond to threats such as phishing, social engineering, and malicious attachments.
Thereby, you can reduce the likelihood of cyberattacks that can compromise your e-commerce website security. As a result, you will gain more trust from your users and customers.
Final Thoughts
eCommerce is booming every day. New ways of marketing, selling, and attracting are in place to make life convenient for customers.
On the hind side, hackers also build new ways to capture as much data as possible. Basically, they employ bots and bugs to do the dirty work. Bots can enter your website and steal customer data, whereas bugs can get attached to plugins and gain access once you install them.
Keeping track of what you are installing, where you are visiting, and who you are allowing access to is of paramount importance. However, everything can get simple if you follow these fourteen steps. This way, you can frame a robust website security system.
Do you have more recommendations on how to ensure e-commerce website security? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.
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