It’s pretty hard to escape the news these days, and you’ve probably been receiving a steady stream of notifications about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. With US sanctions in place, security experts encourage Americans to take immediate actions to protect themselves from an increased danger of Russian cyberattacks.
Countries and businesses watching this latest chapter unfold should keep in mind that the war’s internet front can — and has — crossed borders. It’s only a matter of time until the US is directly targeted. This might include ransomware attacks and assaults on infrastructures such as your internet connection or electrical grid. Russian hackers may attempt to disrupt banking networks as well as critical infrastructure.
There Are 2 Kinds Of Cyber Attacks
Indirect Cyber Attacks
In indirect, neither you nor your computer is being targeted individually. The electricity grid, supply chains, banking institutions, water treatment, communications, and transportation could all be targets that affect you indirectly.
There isn’t much you can do to defend these systems independently. A significant cyberattack can have the same effect as a natural disaster, knocking off critical infrastructure and causing a chain reaction.
Direct Cyber Attacks
By direct, we mean a direct attack on you or your business. The repercussions might be more personal. What if your entire company’s data is stolen or wiped, especially if you have access to crucial information that must not be shared or if something is removed from your files and those are the original documents.
Cybersecurity Is Everyone’s Responsibility
What can you do to protect yourself from Russian cyberattacks? You might not be able to secure the nation’s key infrastructure on your own, but there are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself from being a direct victim of cybercrime.
Here Are 9 Of The Most Important Cybersecurity Tips:
- Don’t Click On Anything That Looks Suspicious.
It’s deceptively simple, but it’s easy to do if you’re not careful. If you get an email from someone you don’t know, don’t click on any links or attachments, even if they look relevant to something you care about.
Many people have gotten hacked by opening an attachment or clicking on a link that looked normal and turned out to be malicious. Sometimes this isn’t even obvious right away. The person who got hacked might not notice for days or weeks until they see fraudulent charges on their credit card statement or notice money missing from their bank accounts.
2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is the process of having 2 different methods of verifying your identity when you log in to something like your bank account. Many banks and other companies use MFA because it’s an excellent way to ensure that the person logging in is actually who they say they are.
One of the most common MFA methods is using a password and a code sent to your phone. So, for example, if you’re logging in to your bank account from your computer, you might type in your password, and then a code will show up on your phone. You’ll then have to enter that code into the computer to finish logging in.
3. Use Endpoint Protection and Response (EDR) and Keep Your Computer Up To Date With The Latest Security Updates
Keep your operating system and other software up to date, and use a tool that protects you against not just known threats that a traditional Antivirus solution can detect, but potential unknown threats that exhibit malicious behavior.
4. Create Strong Passwords
Make sure your passwords for all of your accounts are strong and unique, and change them regularly. Do not use personal information like birthdays, anniversaries, graduation years, etc. Also, don’t use the same password for multiple logins.
If you have trouble remembering so many passwords, then try a password manager like LastPass or 1Password, which can store all of your passwords securely in one place.
5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi, Especially If You’re Accessing Sensitive Data Or Use A VPN On Public Internet
If you’re on a public network, don’t do anything too sensitive, like banking or shopping online, until you can re-access a secure network (your data could be stolen).
6. Use Firewalls
Protect your network by changing the default password for your modem/router and setting up a firewall to prevent hackers from accessing the information on your computer.
7. Back-Up Important Data Regularly
Backup your data. Keep a copy of all essential documents on an external hard drive or in the cloud.
Educate Your Employees
Educate your employees about cybersecurity. Teach them how to spot a phishing attack and what to do if they encounter a ransomware virus. Most of the things you can do to avoid or reduce direct damage to yourself and your computer fall under the Cyber Hygiene category. This includes simple precautions like using a strong password and not clicking on questionable links, which are regrettably taken for granted by many of us.
Hire A Cyber Security Expert
Hiring a cyber security expert is important in protecting your business from cyber-attacks. They will help you put the necessary security measures to keep your data safe.
They will examine your system for potential flaws and elaborate an incident response plan, including performing scenarios and tabletop exercises, to ensure that it’s sound and that everyone understands what to do in a crisis.
Stay Vigilant With Upstart Cyber
Cybercrime is on the rise, and if your business isn’t protected, you could be at risk. At Upstart Cyber, we provide companies with the cybersecurity they need against potential threats, including cyber-attacks. We have the tools and expertise to keep your business safe, so you can focus on what you do best.
Contact us today to learn more!