By: Angelique Panuzzo, Receptionist
Living in the Digital Age has its ups and downs. Advances in technological systems have presented opportunities of convenience unforeseen by our ancestors. At the touch of a button, command call and now even a scan of your face or finger, we are able to access an unlimited pool of knowledge.
It is a new advancement in society that makes the more strenuous tasks in life more tenable. However, the abundance of convenience can also open the door to those who have the ability to infiltrate your data for their own benefit. According to the SANS Ethical Hacking Survey, hackers would need less than 24 hours to infiltrate your most valuable data –making the act of safeguarding sensitive information imperative.
Changing passwords regularly and exceeding the conventional 8-character limit may seem tedious, but they are critical steps to strengthening your digital defenses. Regular password changes disrupt potential breaches, while longer passwords add an extra layer of protection against evolving cyber threats.
Simultaneously, appointing additional administrators further enhances security by establishing a system of checks and balances. Should one admin account be compromised, the risk of unauthorized control over critical systems is significantly reduced.
To further bolster cybersecurity efforts, businesses should invest in employee training and awareness programs. Educating staff about the importance of cybersecurity and best practices for handling financial information can help mitigate the risk of human error, which is often exploited by cyber attackers.
Employees should be trained to recognize common phishing attempts and instructed to avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments (reporting any security incidents promptly). Additionally, implementing a clear cybersecurity policy that outlines acceptable use of technology and consequences for non-compliance can help reinforce the importance of security within the organization.
Moreover, regular software updates and patch management are essential for maintaining the security of financial systems and applications. Software vendors frequently release patches to address known vulnerabilities and security flaws. By promptly applying these updates, businesses can prevent attackers from exploiting known weaknesses to gain unauthorized access to financial data.
Furthermore, implementing robust endpoint security solutions, such as antivirus software and intrusion detection systems, can help detect and prevent malware infections and other cyber threats – which can disable company operations and bring a company’s productivity to a complete halt. By taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity and implementing comprehensive security measures, businesses can better protect their financial information and safeguard against potential cyber threats.
Osborne Rincon offers a client portal with multifactor authentication to ensure an extra shield against unauthorized access, while encrypted files guarantee data confidentiality. Secure firewalls act as vigilant gatekeepers, offering a robust defense against cyber threats. In addition to security, the portal provides convenience to clients by giving them the advantage of uploading and obtaining documents instantly.
Our clients’ security is a top priority at Osborne Rincon. Clients who have not yet set up their client portal can call 760-777-9805 for assistance with that process.
Angelique Panuzzo serves as both a receptionist and a marketing specialist for Osborne Rincon. She completed a trade program at the California College of Physical Arts and has held a variety of professions, including a post commander for off-duty officers.