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As we continue to progress into the digital age, it is no secret that cybercrime and ransomware attacks are on the rise. Unfortunately, this trend shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, our customers have witnessed an increase in security incidents this year, including multiple ransomware attacks that have brought businesses to a standstill. We are all familiar with the horror stories of how cybercrime can impact a business, but it is crucial to remember that each and every one of us plays a critical role in the overall security of our organizations.

While businesses may have implemented advanced firewalls, antivirus software, and other security solutions, cybercriminals are always searching for the weakest point of entry, often targeting individual users through phishing, ransomware, and social engineering tactics. Mistakes are bound to happen, and that is precisely what criminals exploit – human error. Security experts predict that in 2023, we will witness a staggering 3.4 billion phishing emails and 1.7 million ransomware attacks per day, all aimed at end users.

But don’t worry – there are simple measures you can take to help safeguard yourself and your organization. First and foremost, use strong passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Never reuse passwords or use the same password for multiple accounts. Instead, utilize a password management app to securely store and generate complex passwords. Additionally, always enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) whenever possible. The chart below, from hivesystems.io, illustrates how quickly attackers can crack passwords.

Participating in scheduled security training provided by your organization is also vital. If not already in place, advocate for its implementation. Regular training can assist you in identifying phishing attempts and other common cybercriminal tactics, serving as a reminder to remain vigilant. Finally, always think before you click. Take a moment to review emails with links or attachments, hover over links to verify URLs, and authenticate MFA push messages before granting approval.

Remember, each and every one of us plays a crucial role in maintaining the security of our organizations. By following these simple steps and remaining vigilant, we can protect ourselves and our businesses from the ever-increasing threat of cybercrime.

If you have any questions about password security or how to train your team to ensure the safety of your business, feel free to contact us today.

Written by Tim Felstead, IT Security Compliance Analyst of IT Resource