8 Cybersecurity Essentials for Your Chicago Business
Chicago Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly critical as the city’s economy booms, driven by rapid growth across Bio and FinTech, Auto Manufacturing, Plastics Development, Energy, and Professional Services. With a steady stream of talent from local universities, hundreds of burgeoning startups, and billions in foreign investment, Chicago businesses are poised for continued expansion. However, with the rise in cybercrime, more Chicago companies are recognizing the high costs of business interruptions. A recent report from IBM found that the average data breach now costs $3.86 million and takes 280 days to identify and contain. Despite these steep figures, proper defense-in-depth security strategies can significantly protect businesses and their employees from cybercrime.
Here are 8 essential cybersecurity strategies to keep your Chicago business running securely:
1. Conduct a Security Risk Assessment
Understanding potential security threats (e.g., downtime from ransomware) and the impact they may have on your business (lost revenue) is crucial for Chicago Cybersecurity. Use this information to shape a security strategy that meets your specific needs.
2. Train Your Employees
Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, making ongoing semi-annual training for all employees essential. This training should include examples of threats and instructions on security best practices (e.g., locking laptops when away from desks). Hold employees accountable to bolster Chicago Cybersecurity.
3. Protect Your Network and Devices
Implement a password policy that requires strong passwords that expire every 90 days. Deploy firewall, VPN, and antivirus technologies to ensure your network and endpoints are not vulnerable to attacks. Consider implementing multifactor authentication. Ongoing network monitoring is also essential for robust Chicago Cybersecurity.
4. Keep Software Up to Date
Using up-to-date software products and being vigilant about patch management is crucial. Cybercriminals exploit software vulnerabilities to gain access to computers and data. Staying current with updates is a key component of Chicago Cybersecurity.
5. Create Straightforward Cybersecurity Policies
Write and distribute a clear set of rules and instructions on cybersecurity practices for employees. This will vary from business to business but may include policies on social media use, bring your own device, and authentication requirements. Clear policies are fundamental for effective Chicago Cybersecurity.
6. Back Up Your Data
Daily backups are a requirement to recover from data corruption or loss resulting from security breaches. Consider using a modern data protection tool that takes incremental backups periodically throughout the day to prevent data loss. Reliable data backup is a cornerstone of Chicago Cybersecurity.
7. Know Where Your Data Resides
Maintaining oversight of business data is an important piece of the security puzzle. The more places data exists, the more likely unauthorized individuals can access it. Avoid “shadow IT” with business-class SaaS applications that allow for corporate control of data. Data management is essential for comprehensive Chicago Cybersecurity.
8. Control Access to Computers
Use key cards or similar security measures to control access to facilities, and ensure that employees use strong passwords for laptops and desktops. Administrative privileges should only be given to trusted IT staff. Controlled access is critical for maintaining strong Chicago Cybersecurity.