These days, it’s essential to be aware of your cybersecurity. After all, it’s almost impossible to know when someone might target you or collect your information in a data breach. In addition, during a cyberattack, a hacker can compromise your sensitive data and even steal your identity.
Though you can’t always predict when a cyber-attack might happen, there are ways to plan for them. You can also invest in digital security tools that work to keep you safe from external threats and data breaches. Here’s what you need to know.
The right firewall can do a lot of the work for you.
While it’s important to be proactive about your security, you can also depend on traditional, more reactive tools like a firewall. Your firewall essentially works as a network security system that tracks your incoming and outgoing traffic and helps you control that traffic based on previously established security parameters. So naturally, with the right security rules and a strong enough firewall, it’s a bit easier to prevent unauthorized network traffic.
If you’re looking for a robust firewall with DNS protection for your home, that will look different than a DNS firewall for a business. Particularly if you need a DNS firewall that can scale alongside your business’s needs, you may want to consider options like the Securd DNS Firewall. This provides an easy-to-deploy cloud-based DNS firewall solution that follows security protocols and helps prevent malware, botnet DNS traffic, and other online threats.
Set up dark web alerts.
When discussing cybersecurity, it’s also important to consider how people talk about your business online. Part of threat detection means leveraging real-time data to make decisions. Many brands commission services and tools that enable them to search for business mentions or specific issues regarding their business across the internet. This enables businesses to see how people talk about their brand on chan boards (4chan, 8chan, and similar forums) and dark web pages.
Some of these tools even alert administrators when a forum participant or dark web poster makes a specific threat against a business, an executive, or a team member. For instance, if someone posted threats against your business on 4chan, an alert system could notify you and potentially save lives. Part of threat intelligence involves information collection, and the right tools can empower you to scour sites like 4chan without visiting them yourself.
Enable two-factor authentication.
One issue that compromises businesses and casual internet users alike is password exposure. Even with more robust password tools in place, it’s relatively easy for a hacker to brute-force their way into a social media account, online profile, or website. Naturally, in the wrong hands, this can spell out disaster. While two-factor authentication isn’t some sort of technical cure-all, it can help prevent unauthorized access attempts and promote greater account security. There are a few ways you can do this, too.
Commonly, two-factor authentication requires people to answer security questions, enter security codes, or follow specified login pathways. Although these methods aren’t infallible, it’s much harder for a hacker to access your account if the login page texts you a limited-use verification code every time you try to sign in.
Beyond two-factor authentication for login attempts, it’s also important to set robust access permissions, limit system roles, and require employees or users to change their passwords regularly. This can help improve overall security and ensure that nobody is accessing information or data that they shouldn’t.
Between investing in a DNS firewall to monitoring 4chan and 8chan for incendiary language, there are modern, sophisticated tools that you can use to help protect yourself when you’re online. So whether you’re a business owner or a casual web surfer, your cybersecurity is more important than ever.