What are the essential IT security measures for your business

At Clearsky IT, we understand that every business is unique, and their IT security needs may vary. However, there are fundamental measures that we highly recommend to ensure robust protection, regardless of your industry. As part of our comprehensive IT security package, we offer flexible solutions tailored to your specific requirements. In this article, we will highlight some key security measures that we believe no business should be without.

Implementing an IT Policy

Having a well-defined IT policy is crucial for establishing standardised IT rules across your entire organisation. Similar to a health and safety policy, an IT policy sets expectations for all employees, from directors to apprentices. It covers essential aspects such as password length and serves as a foundation for maintaining a secure IT environment. An IT policy is especially important during employee onboarding to ensure consistent security practices throughout your business.

Leveraging Microsoft 365 Auditing

For businesses utilising Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), enabling auditing provides valuable insights into your company’s overall security. It allows you to generate reports on admin permissions, highlighting any vulnerabilities like disabled multi-factor authentication (MFA). By leveraging auditing, you can monitor licence usage, mailbox access permissions, detect potential hacking attempts, and identify suspicious email forwarding rules.

Monitoring Changes in Microsoft 365

To enhance your security posture, configuring your Microsoft 365 account to only allow access from within the UK can significantly reduce the risk of international hackers compromising your company emails. Additionally, enabling the approval process for new admin profiles and email forwarder conditions adds an extra layer of protection against potential hacking attempts. As your trusted IT provider, Clearsky IT can assist in configuring these safeguards for your Microsoft 365 environment.

Strengthening Security with Essential Measures

Ensuring comprehensive protection goes beyond standard practices. It requires implementing vital security measures such as:

Encryption for All Drives: Utilise BitLocker, a built-in encryption feature in the Microsoft system, to safeguard all drives, including both laptops and PCs. By encrypting your drives, you prevent unauthorised access to sensitive data in case of theft or loss.

Antivirus, Anti-Malware, and Firewall: Employ reliable, paid-for versions of antivirus, anti-malware, and firewall software to serve as your last line of defence against potential threats. Free versions often lack proactive scanning capabilities, leaving your systems vulnerable to more sophisticated attacks.

Staff Training and Simulated Phishing Attacks: Conducting simulated phishing attacks on your staff allows you to assess vulnerabilities and identify areas that require additional security training. This approach not only improves security but also maximises the effectiveness of your training resources.

DNS Protection and Internal Anti-Spoofing Measures: Implement DNS protection to blacklist dangerous websites and filter content, reducing the risk of falling victim to malicious attacks via deceptive links. Internal anti-spoofing protection adds an extra layer of defence against email scams, where external agents impersonate colleagues to carry out fraudulent activities.

Robust Password Management: Utilise a password management system, such as LastPass, to generate and securely store unique and strong passwords for every login. This system allows controlled access for third-party collaborations without compromising your login credentials.

Dark Web Monitoring and Enhanced Anti-Spam Filtering

Clearsky IT offers additional security measures, including:

Dark Web Monitoring: We can scan your email addresses to identify if they have appeared on any lists of compromised data being sold online. This proactive approach allows us to identify potential risks and take preventive actions.

Enhanced Anti-Spam Filtering: While Microsoft 365 provides basic spam filtering, our enhanced version offers superior protection against spam emails. It employs self-learning mechanisms, safeguarding your business from annoying and potentially dangerous spam email threats.

Mobile Device Management (MDM)

If your business utilises mobile devices such as phones and tablets, implementing a robust Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution is essential for peace of mind and enhanced security. In the unfortunate event of a lost or stolen device, Clearsky IT can remotely wipe the device to ensure the protection of your sensitive business data. Additionally, if employees use their personal devices for work purposes, we can install the business app and manage access, allowing you to maintain control and revoke access if needed.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy

Having a comprehensive Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy is crucial when employees use their personal devices for work-related tasks. Clearsky IT offers a template for establishing standards within your business, ensuring that everyone is aligned with mobile device security practices. This policy is applicable to both staff members and contractors, providing clarity and promoting a secure mobile work environment.

At Clearsky IT, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive IT security solutions that address the unique needs of your business. With our expertise and flexible approach, we can help you implement these essential security measures to protect your valuable data, maintain regulatory compliance, and safeguard your business from cyber threats.

If you would like us to assess your current backups or review your disaster recovery plan to ensure it is up to industry standards, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can reach us by booking a call at a time that suit you.

Remember, proactive IT security measures are vital to keep your business protected in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Trust Clearsky IT to be your partner in safeguarding your business’s IT infrastructure and data integrity.