If you’re into gaming, you might be familiar with what happened to Sony’s PlayStation Network (PSN) in the spring of 2011. Due to the exploits of an opportunistic hacker, nearly 77 million players found that their accounts were compromised during a network-wide outage. While many users’ payment information was safe, other personally identifiable information (PII), including passwords and email addresses, was exposed.

The data breach and network outage lasted for more than three weeks, leaving players fearful for their PSN accounts and costing Sony $171 million in recovery and compensation efforts.

Sony is not the only company at risk of cyber threats. From the smallest online storefronts to the largest organizations, cybercrime is a real risk. Whether it means evaluating poor network security, weak data protection, or some other kind of software or hardware vulnerability, every organization should implement strong cybersecurity measures to keep sensitive data and personal information safe.

This blog discusses some of the best cybersecurity practices for professionals in any field. Read on to learn more.

The Importance of Cybersecurity in the Workplace

Over the last several decades, advancements in digital technology coupled with the rise of the internet have paved the way for exciting innovations in communication, education, finance, healthcare, and countless other industries. But it has also opened doors for cybercrime—both malicious and accidental—against individuals and organizations around the globe. Malware, phishing scams, identify theft—these threats and more have become mainstays in a world that lives increasingly online.

Cybersecurity is the safeguarding of software, hardware, networks, and other digital assets from virtual criminal activity. The term “cybersecurity” refers to any effort to prevent or defend against cyber-based attacks. With proper cybersecurity practices in place, private data and financial information can remain safe, businesses can operate smoothly, and people in all walks of life can live and work with more confidence.

10 Cybersecurity Best Practices

The following list outlines 10 useful cybersecurity practices and why they matter for organizations of all sizes:

1. Conduct Regular Security Assessments

For cybersecurity procedures to have any lasting effect, they should be regularly examined and audited. Regular assessments can help prevent data breaches by exposing vulnerabilities early on. Trained IT professionals should follow a detailed plan to test the strength of security measures. This process may include ethical hacking or penetration testing, which both involve thinking or behaving like a hacker would in order to identify and shore up weak points in a system or application.

2. Implement Strong Passwords

One of the most basic ways to protect sensitive information is by using a password. Whether they’re used for online accounts, local or wide area networks, virtual private networks (VPNs), or some other type of software, strong passwords can protect computer systems from unauthorized or unlawful access.

Rather than relying on short, easily identifiable passwords, users should implement passphrases that include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. The longer and more random the character count and order, the stronger the password. Users may also consider referring to a secure password manager to keep track of multiple passwords.

3. Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) has become a popular way to increase account security. Put simply, multi-factor authentication requires individuals to provide two or more forms of identification before they can gain access to an account. Many smartphones have adopted this technology by locking device use behind passwords as well as fingerprint or retina scans. Some MFA applications ask users to input a code sent via text or email in addition to their password. This extra layer of digital protection is crucial for organizations that deal with highly sensitive data like online bank accounts and medical records.

4. Keep Software Updated

Cybersecurity specialists depend on dedicated software to ward off all kinds of cyberattacks. No software is completely immune from being hacked or otherwise compromised. While this type of software can prove indispensable in any cybersecurity strategy, it will work most effectively only when it is consistently updated. Developers typically work to improve software programs by introducing patches and bug fixes. Updates readily provide more secure versions of software and other applications.

5. Control Access to Sensitive Information

Network administrators play an essential role in cybersecurity—that is, they have control over who can access accounts or databases storing privileged information. By limiting access to important data to only those who are authorized, organizations can decrease the chances of cyberattacks occurring both internally and externally. Employees and team members should also be aware of what they share and avoid breaches of confidentiality. For example, a school counselor or instructor should never share confidential information about their students without first obtaining their consent and complying with federal regulations.

6. Embrace Cybersecurity Training and Education

Following the best cybersecurity practices involves all members of an organization—even those who are not cybersecurity professionals. That’s why implementing cybersecurity training is so important. Participating in online or in-person seminars, virtual courses, and cross-functional team conferences can raise awareness of cybersecurity risks and ways to combat potential scams or attacks. Individuals educated in the basics of cybersecurity can recognize everyday instances of cyber threats like social engineering and take the right steps to foster a safer virtual environment.

7. Monitor Third-Party Users and Applications

When businesses or organizations solicit the services of a third-party agency, vendor, or application, they should consider the possible external security risks of doing so. While some third-party cyber threats are intentional, many others occur by accident. Wise cybersecurity professionals often engage in third-party risk management to ensure that these outside entities operate above board and with clear direction. This type of risk management means carefully vetting third parties or business partners before agreeing to work with them and then monitoring their activity over time.

8. Employ Firewalls and Other Network Security Tools

A firewall is a system that watches network traffic and blocks untrustworthy networks from interfering with trusted ones. It acts as a filter that keeps suspicious or malicious network data away from an organization’s local or wide area networks. Firewalls—together with virtual private networks, antivirus software programs, and packet analyzers like Wireshark—can help protect both data and devices from being jeopardized.

9. Ensure That Data Is Always Backed Up

Data is often the target of many hackers and scammers. Consequently, it’s crucial to back up data in case it gets stolen, damaged, or corrupted. Physical devices like external hard drives and digital solutions like cloud storage services are viable options for backing up data. The advent of cloud computing in particular has made storing, accessing, and managing data more convenient and efficient than ever before. Many organizations store data on encrypted cloud servers to allow for secure data redundancy.

10. Create a Robust Cybersecurity Strategy

No matter what specific best practices are followed, devising a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy should remain a top priority for businesses and organizations. This process involves everybody, from the most seasoned executives to the most recent hires. IT managers should stay up to date on current cybersecurity trends and work with other teams to design a disaster recovery plan. Leaders should set clear security policies and spread awareness of cybersecurity best practices throughout the organization. Strategy goals may need to change as the cybersecurity landscape and the nature of cybercrimes evolve.

Preparing for a Secure Future with WGU’s Cybersecurity Programs

Cybersecurity matters across all professions and industries. Adopting the best practices listed above can empower organizations to thrive even as cybercriminals continue to look for opportunities to strike.

If you’re ready to make an impact in the field, consider earning a degree at WGU. We offer programs in cybersecurity and information assurance, network engineering and security, and cloud computing that teach the relevant, in-demand skills employers are looking for. And with WGU’s competency-based education model, you can progress through your online coursework as quickly as you master the material, potentially saving time and money.

Learn more about our cybersecurity and other IT programs today.