With the rise of cyberattacks these past few years, many of our clients have been concerned by the risk to their business systems and data. This is why JOVACO has teamed up with Team Microfix, specialists in IT management and security. To follow up on our recent article on ransomware and remote work, Stephane Auger, Team Microfix Vice-President and CTO, tells us how to prevent cyberattacks that may target your organization.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication compensates for the weaknesses related to passwords by requiring users to confirm their identities with two different methods or more. On top of their username and password, the user can confirm their identity with their mobile device (by SMS or through an authentication application), a physical key, or even their fingerprint, for example. These factors alone are not without their own weaknesses, but multi-factor authentication combines them to reduce the risk of security flaws.
Dark web monitoring
Dark web monitoring lets you determine whether your firm’s confidential information is on sale. Usernames and passwords are highly sought after on network groups and websites hidden on the dark web. Cyber-pirates can use those to infiltrate user systems to extract information or introduce malware. By identifying compromised accounts, you can reduce the risk of cyberattacks.
Antivirus and monitoring systems
Traditional antivirus software is no longer enough to counter cyber-pirates, whose methods are increasingly sophisticated. However, a next-generation EDR antivirus (Endpoint Detection and Response) uses artificial intelligence to counter these threats. You can also add a managed SIEM security service (Security Information and Event Management security service), which connects to your system to analyze it and detect any suspicious activity.
No RMM
Make sure your firm and your IT partner don’t use a remote monitoring and management software, known as an RMM. These systems let you manage and control IT systems remotely to identify and solve issues. However, they can be used as an entry point by cyber-pirates if the software is not properly secure or if a security flaw is discovered. This is why it’s essential to team up with an IT partner that does not use an RMM, such as Team Microfix.
Data backup
This is your last line of defence. It is critical to back up your data since it ensures you can retrieve it should your firm suffer a cyberattack. Make sure your online data backups are secure and monitored to protect them against cyberattacks. Also keep an offline data backup, as ransomware can’t affect data that’s not connected to the compromised system. This offline backup ensures the integrity of your data no matter what happens to the main system.
Lastly, it’s also important to have good insurance coverage for cyber risks and an IT partner that can secure and monitor your IT infrastructure. Have any questions or concerns regarding your firm’s cybersecurity? Contact JOVACO or Team Microfix.
About the author
Stephane Auger is Vice-President and CTO at Team Microfix. With more than 15 years of experience with IT and connectivity solutions, he has developed an expertise in several sectors of IT management, namely network and server administration, infrastructure design, and IT management and security. At Team Microfix, he is in charge of technical operations, technological management, and business growth.
