If you own a computer or a device that connects to the internet then you are vulnerable to web-borne threats. Whether your antivirus software is up to date or not, it’s easy to let security measures fade into the background, especially when things in your business are running efficiently with no apparent attacks in play. Today, with a simple click on a link received via text or email (case in point: Pegasus or phishing) your devices can be infected by malicious software and your personal information or data could easily fall victim to one of the numerous security threats lurking on the internet.
While web access is ubiquitous, it is also the leading route for the spread of malware and viruses, no thanks to the ever-growing malware sophistication. To make it worse, according to FBI reports in 2016, cybercriminals extorted businesses and institutions up to 200 million to unlock computer servers, which tell you that the costs to mitigate malware are at an all-time high, not forgetting IT labor, loss of productivity and risk of data theft. The costs of recovering from ransomware or other cyberattack are well understood, but how can you protect yourself, your employees and business?
Along with malicious emails, websites are one of the most common malware vectors that provide an easy entry point to many types of hack attacks and make a dent in a business’s overall cybersecurity risks. Owing to the fact that there are over 550 million malware variants and close to 390,000 new malicious programs being identified every day with unfettered access to an end user’s computer or electronic devices, companies need to have adequate web security measures in place. An effective approach to web security threats must be proactive and defensive. In comes;
- URL filtering – This process allows you to control access to internet websites by permitting or denying access to specific sites based on information contained in an URL list. It can also be used to secure sites needed for day-to-day functions and it is ideal for businesses that rely heavily on internet usage because URL filtering is easy to deploy and also helps control and protect organizations and employees from Internet threats such as malware, shareware, spyware, adware, etc.
- Encryption – This is pretty straightforward, sensitive data such as credit card information and user passwords should be encrypted at all times. If you are traveling on business or need to access sensitive information online, always use HTTPS connections, including those that have secure flag on cookies to limit your exposure. Additionally, always use long passwords that consist of random numbers, letters, and characters.
- Have a strong antivirus software – Without an antivirus software, your computer, laptop or smartphone can be infected by viruses and other malicious applications that can steal your precious data.
Other safety measures you can take include using the latest version of web browsers as they come with enhanced security features, also don’t open suspicious links and make it a habit of screening all downloads.
