Avoid digital misfortune on Friday the 13th with these cybersecurity tips

Friday the 13th is associated with bad luck, superstition and spooky coincidences. While it’s mostly fun and games, there’s one area where you definitely don’t want any bad luck — your cybersecurity. Just as you avoid black cats and ladders on Friday the 13th, it’s important to avoid digital mishaps that could lead to a cybersecurity nightmare.

From securing your devices to training your employees and strengthening your software, here’s how you can keep cyber bad luck away.

1. Only safe devices should access your business applications

One of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to breach your network is through unsecured devices. Whether it’s an employee’s personal phone, a contractor’s laptop or an IoT device, any unsecured endpoint connected to your network can act as a gateway for attackers. Ensuring that only secure, trusted devices can access your business applications is a crucial step in reducing the risk of a breach.

How to avoid bad luck:

• Enforce a ‘zero-trust’ policy: Verify every device attempting to access your network. Devices should meet strict security standards, including up-to-date (antivirus) software. For example, do not forget to update your Microsoft Windows devices.
• Limit Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) risks: If employees use personal devices for work, require them to adhere to strict security protocols, like XFA software.

2. Phishing training is your first line of defense

Even the most secure systems can be compromised if an employee unwittingly falls victim to a phishing attack. Phishing is one of the most common methods hackers use to breach organizations. Protecting against phishing isn’t just about having the right technology, it’s about ensuring your people are educated and vigilant.

How to avoid bad luck:

• Simulated phishing campaigns: Run controlled phishing simulations to test how well your team reacts to potential attacks. By exposing them to fake phishing attempts, you can identify weak points and reinforce good practices.
• Conduct regular phishing training: Train your employees regularly on how to identify phishing attempts. This includes looking for red flags like unexpected emails from unknown senders, grammatical errors or suspicious links.

3. Pentesting for a resilient system

As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated, it’s essential to regularly test your applications, APIs and networks for vulnerabilities. Penetration testing (pentesting) simulates real-world cyberattacks, helping you identify weak points (such as a bug in your WordPress theme) before hackers can exploit them. A strong, resilient network is like an impenetrable fortress, keeping bad luck at bay.

How to avoid bad luck:

• Conduct regular pentesting: Schedule periodic pentests to assess the security of your applications and networks. External experts can simulate cyberattacks, testing your system’s ability to withstand various threats, from brute force attacks to more subtle vulnerabilities in your code.
• Patch vulnerabilities quickly: Once a vulnerability is discovered through pentesting, patch it immediately. The longer a vulnerability goes unfixed, the higher the chances of a cyberattack.

Stay lucky with strong cybersecurity

While Friday the 13th may be associated with bad luck, your cybersecurity doesn’t have to be left to chance. By securing your devices, educating your employees on phishing risks and regularly testing your systems through pentesting, you can protect your business from the digital “bad luck” that hackers try to bring.

So, as you enjoy the superstitions of Friday the 13th, make sure your digital world remains safe and secure. After all, in the world of cybersecurity, good preparation beats luck every time!