Protect your IT systems

 

Here are  some of the main steps that companies can take to protect their systems from hacker attacks:

1. Stay updated with hacking threats: Keep up to date with the latest hacking threats and vulnerabilities by subscribing to security newsletters and following security blogs.
2. Toughen up access control: Limit access to sensitive data and systems to only those who need it. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
3. Update everything: Keep all software and hardware up to date with the latest security patches and updates.
4. Tighten network security: Use firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other network security measures to protect your network from unauthorized access.
5. Install a web application firewall: A web application firewall (WAF) can help protect your web applications from attacks such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).
6. Install security applications: Install antivirus software, anti-spyware software, and other security applications to protect your systems from malware.
7. Hide admin pages: Hide admin pages from public view to prevent unauthorized access.
8. Limit file uploads: Limit the types of files that can be uploaded to your systems to prevent malicious files from being uploaded.
9. Regularly change passwords: Regularly change passwords for all accounts and systems.  
10. Back up all your data to protect against ransomware attacks: Regularly back up all data to prevent data loss in case of a ransomware attack.

You have also to prepare a procedure if you are under attack.

It’s important to have an incident response plan (IRP) in place. A well-defined IRP allows you to effectively identify, minimize the damage from, and reduce the cost of a cyberattack, while finding and fixing the cause, so that you can prevent future attacks.

Here are some steps that companies can take during a cyber attack:

1. Mobilize your cybersecurity response team: The first thing your company should do when a cyber attack is discovered is to mobilize your cybersecurity response team2.
2. Identify the type of attack: Identify the type of attack that your company is facing so that you can take appropriate measures2.
3. Contain the attack: Contain the attack by isolating affected systems and devices2.
4. Investigate the attack: Conduct a deep investigation to identify the attacker, discover unknown security vulnerabilities, and determine what improvements need to be made to the company’s computer systems3.
5. Notify stakeholders: Notify stakeholders such as customers, partners, and employees about the cyber attack1.
6. Restore systems: Restore affected systems and devices to their normal state2.
7. Review and update your IRP: Review and update your IRP based on lessons learned from the cyber attack1.