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A human firewall is a group of people working to find cyber attacks like ransomware or phishing that may get past your computer security system. With the start of the digital age and more digitization, there is much more data than there used to be. With more data comes a greater need for security.
A regular firewall is a device that stops bad traffic from getting into your system and causing sensitive data to be lost. A human firewall protects your network in the same way that a firewall does. Employees must be taught how to handle their data properly so the Company doesn't lose any data.
Human firewalls are important because they can keep big cyberattacks from happening. Even though they're the last line of defense, they must still be well-trained and alert. This blog will tell us more about the places where the human firewall isn't as strong as it could be. We'll also find out how it can help make your security system stronger.
Weaknesses in the human firewall
Phishing
Several employees falling for phishing attacks is one of the most common ways a company can be hacked. Knowing what kinds of phishing attacks are going around makes you less likely to fall for them. Emails that say your Facebook account could be shut down or that say something similar should be ignored.
Spear phishing is growing more common as hackers, and con artists have learned how to use personal information to make their attacks look more real. Since these attacks are more specific, they can be more dangerous. People need to know about requests that are out of the ordinary and be able to spot signs of attacks.
Theft/Loss
Another way that devices can put your network at risk is if they are stolen or lost. Since more people work from home, bringing your device to work has become more common. People are not protected against theft, so they might not keep their devices safe.
Personal information about the organization must be kept safe on a mobile device. You can be more careful by ensuring that emails or information on your phone can't be accessed by locking it with your face or fingerprint.
Malware
Malware is most likely to be put on your computer when you visit a website that has been hacked. Cyber attacks can also happen to sites you visit often and leave them open to attack.
Pop-ups on websites are one of the most common ways malware gets on a computer. Malware is dangerous, so people need to know what it is and how it works. People should know how to install malware, which will go a long way toward keeping your network safe.
How to improve your Human Firewall
Education
A little education can go a long way when building a human firewall. First, you must ensure that everyone who works for your company knows how to protect the security system. It is important to keep learning about security threats and the best ways to avoid falling for them.
When you use tools for sending mass emails, there are sometimes more chances that your computer security will be broken. In this case, it will help you, in the long run, to know what to do and what not to do.
You can also try out an idea by making a fake phishing email. If the person can't figure out what this is, they are sent to a training page that will help them learn more about phishing and other types of cyberattacks.
MFA or 2FA
Multi-Factor Authentication and 2-Factor Authentication are now very common. They are important for strengthening the human firewall and giving people another layer of protection in a cyber attack. In multi-factor authentication, people must use two things to protect their accounts: something they know and something they have.
Something they have is their phone or another device where they can get a one-time password. Something they know is the password. When someone wants to log in to their account, they must enter their password, and then the OTP is sent to their device.
Hackers won't be able to get into a person's account if Multi-Factor Authentication and 2-Factor Authentication are in place. Even though it's important to do these things, it's also important to remember that this isn't foolproof. Attackers might get smart enough to figure out how to make codes.
Gadgets distributed by the business
People are now more accessible to work-from-home policy initiatives and remote work. In this situation, more and more people are using their own devices for official work. Malware and cyberattacks could be easier to do on our devices. To keep our data safe, we need to ensure that the right precautions have been taken before using these devices for office work.
If the company gives each employee a device, keeping up with security practices and installing the software and security tools needed to keep everyone safe is easier. With this setup, you'll also be able to set up and control the tools from a distance, making your sensitive data safer.
Testing phishing
Giving your employees phishing tests is a great way to determine if they understand the risks of phishing attacks and how to protect themselves.
A strong cybersecurity culture
One way to build a strong culture in this area is to discuss vulnerabilities and cybersecurity openly. Provide regular security updates, and phishing tests, train your staff and emphasize team culture.
Using the Right Measures
Ensure your company has the right tools and knows how to use them. Make a complete platform for security awareness for your employees. Some security solutions to consider are data protection software, tools for monitoring network security, tools for encrypting data, antivirus software, and tools for scanning the web for security holes.
The Human Firewall Plan
Security rules should be clear and cover a wide range of topics, such as how to use social media, keep the email safe, and how to do with passwords. Employers should ensure employees follow security rules by making them stick to them.
So, all organizations must have a human firewall and improve their security systems. If you liked this blog and want to learn more about cybersecurity, you can sign up for Great Learning's Cyber Security Class and immediately improve your skills.