In today's digital age, cloud-based audiovisual systems have become essential tools for instant communication and remote work. With AV equipment built into cell phones, computers, and other network-enabled devices, technology has evolved to connect us with anyone and everyone around the globe, effortlessly.
However, although these features improve productivity, efficiency, and collaboration among students and professionals, more exposure to the internet can also introduce new threats and challenges in your network's cybersecurity.
Keeping their eyes peeled on vulnerable targets, cybercriminals are the ultimate online risk to your financial data and assets. These internet thieves are getting more competent in their efforts to steal as they take advantage of the latest technology, scheming independently or in coordinated groups.
When a cyber attack is deployed, the outcome of any data breach usually results in devastating loss or manipulation. A sticky situation like this can lead to permanent damage, especially to your organization's reputation. How can someone trust you if their data is at risk?
Needless to say, to avoid legal issues and plummeting your reputation, cybersecurity should be your primary concern to safeguard networks, computer systems, and any components from unauthorized digital access.
Here are five things to consider when creating a plan to protect your organization’s AV/IT infrastructure from cybercrime:
- Audit and Test Your AV/IT Infrastructure’s Network Security Frequently
Keep your AV system functioning optimally, taking precautions and protecting your entire cyber environment from potential threats. This includes all users, networks, devices, software, data, and systems that can directly or indirectly be connected to your network.
While conducting network vulnerability scans and other security tests, double-check preventative measures and maintenance on all of your AV systems. Using automated tools and implementing manual reviews can also help when tracking any suspicious activity.
We highly recommend taking inventory and auditing on all devices, checking their purpose and who is responsible for regulating them. This process includes retiring equipment and devices authorized users are no longer using.
- Keep Your Network Isolated and Compartmentalized
Upgrade your antivirus software often and ensure that a firewall can shield your networks from inbound traffic reaching any devices in your infrastructure. This step alone can protect your network from automated attacks in malware-infected bugs on the web. There should be no reason for most AV devices to accept inbound traffic from the open internet, where people are more susceptible to online harm.
If you have a Wi-Fi network in your business operation, you can guarantee the security and encryption of transmissions using the most up-to-date standards. Administrator access to the router must be authorized and protected with a strong password. Meanwhile, Wi-Fi for guests must be kept separate from the internal network.
Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to tighten your proper security measures. It allows you to encrypt traffic between the device in use and the internet and permit your employees to work securely while remote.
- Practice Strong Password Management and Authentication
An attacker can access your account with and without using special tools such as password crackers. Cybercriminals might find your password on the Dark Web and assume you reused it for different accounts.
When your passwords are weak, it makes your network or device more vulnerable to being hacked by someone.
Here are some tips to strengthen your passwords:
- Use a combination of upper and lower case letters, symbols, and numbers.
- Use at least 13 characters.
- Do not reuse passwords from other services or administrators.
- Avoid personal information such as your birthday, pet's name, or other clues they can use simply by looking at your social media.
- Login and regularly change your passwords to each interface.
Additionally, layering security with two-factor authentication (2FA) helps increase protection in user verification. It works by sending an authentication code sent in the form of SMS (or voice) to the user's phone for the user to validate the code. This is a popular and proven method to avoid fraud since it requires a phone number verification on top of the password.
- Keep Staff and Other Users Educated With Updated Training
Besides learning how to properly use your organization's computers and other technology devices, your team members must clearly understand the consequences of risking sensitive data and how to safely store everything in your AV system. Providing a training program can help your team identify suspicious emails, links, websites, and actions requiring sensitive information or downloading files from different sites.
For example, phishing is the most common type of cyber attack. A cybercriminal may attempt to fool a victim with an email disguised as a legitimate organization. If the victim falls for this, they might hand over valuable information, such as passwords, banking details, intellectual property, and much more. Educating users on detecting and avoiding tricky situations like this is critical to your network's safety.
Negligence could cost your organization everything if someone on your team opens up the opportunity for cybercriminals to succeed in their plans. Therefore, increasing awareness about the consequences of a cybersecurity breach and how to detect and prevent them gives an organization a strong layer of protection from any cyber-attacks.
At our organization, employees must complete training videos to remain informed and updated about cybersecurity. "Implementing Defendify's monthly Awareness Videos (via NINJIO) has educated our user base on the latest types of attacks used by cybercriminals. An educated user base is the strongest Cybersecurity tool a company can have." - Javed Wahid, Spinitar's IT Director.
- Implement an Incident Response and Recovery Plan
47% of American Adults have had their personal information exposed by cyber criminals, and 600,000 accounts get hacked every single day. The scary reality is that nearly every organization will experience system attacks, so you must prepare for the worst-case scenario with an incident response and recovery plan.
You must understand your security system's functions and weaknesses to make an effective security strategy. Implementing an outlined plan in your policies can make it much easier to follow cybersecurity standards, policies, and laws in your business.
Conduct research and stay updated about how other companies handle data breaches and ways to prevent different situations.
Are You Confident in the Security of Your AV System?
Cybersecurity has become essential to keep in mind as the world becomes more digitalized and complex in technology. As cyber-attacks grow in frequency and sophistication, those who haven't invested in proper cybersecurity solutions will be at a substantial disadvantage and risk severe consequences.
Spinitar, a Solutionz Inc. Company, can take your network’s protection to another level. Our team of systems design professionals can provide you with a deep level of understanding and emphasis on cybersecurity measures in the AV market.
Discover how our sister company, Solutionz Security, delivers the most reliable, comprehensive, and best-in-class solutions that enable global commerce. To learn more about possible risks in your AV and/or communication systems, contact (800) 722-6444 or sales@spinitar.com.
