IT Security is increasingly important this year.
A shocking statistic by the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), reported that the payment service sector, the financial sector and retail/service sector were victims of 72% of all phishing attacks globally. Phishing is an attempt made to steal your money through emails messages, websites and even phone calls. Phishing one of the greatest threat to IT Security today!
What’s more alarming is that the number of unique phishing sites increased from the already alarming high of 289,371 during Q1 of 2016 to 466,065 sites during Q2 of 2016.
What this means for YOU is that there is an INCREASED chance that you are being HACKED through fake retail, finance or payment sites.
Have valuable data you need to protect? Financial information to safeguard or services that simply cannot afford to be disrupted? Here are our top 6 must-read IT Security tips to protect your business today.
IT Security Tips
If asked, never give your passwords to anyone over email
Your bank will never ask for your password, or even personal information via mail. Never respond to such emails, and call your bank if you have the slightest doubt.
Strengthen IT security through updating of IT systems
Hackers love to find down any loopholes in your security system to deliver a bug into your device. Ensure your operating systems are the most updated versions.
Look out for the ‘S’
Ever wondered what the ‘S’ at the end of ‘HTTPS’ stands for? It stands for ‘Secure’. This means that all information communicated between the browser and your website is encrypted. It should have a ‘lock’ icon next to the web address as well.
Watch domain names
Look out for strange, unusually long domain names. Phishers use websites, email addresses or even logos very similar to real businesses. Look out for the oddities in the domain names, or any inconsistencies in the email, such as addressing you by your email name instead of actual name.
E-cards
Unfortunately, cyber criminals love to disguise malicious software through Holiday e-cards. They might even send it through a hacked email of someone you know. Make sure your antivirus software is updated and check the email addresses carefully.
Important’ notices
‘You’ve missed an important delivery’, ‘Congratulations! You’ve won a camera!’, ‘Free Christmas gift from us’. Sounds really good doesn’t it? Hackers will use such notices to lead you to a fake, but rather legitimate looking website, asking you for your personal details. Be wary of such emails and check the domain names carefully.
Want to learn more on how to secure your business data? Click the green button below!