Protecting business data: How to prevent unauthorized access? 

Unfortunately, businesses are no longer protected against cybercriminal attempts to steal credentials. This happens because hackers have improved their methods of stealing information, which sadly means the company’s data is at greater risk. A proactive approach is the best way to prevent unauthorized access and keep hackers away from accessing your company’s files. 

There are many ways companies’ files get compromised, and among the most common are weak passwords, which hackers exploit through brute-force attacks. Others are security vulnerabilities that allow them to get into people’s accounts and, in the end, steal their data. 

Unauthorized access occurs when individuals enter a server, network, or computer without prior permission. Unauthorized access opens the door to numerous consequences, among the most common are data breaches, system failures, ransomware, and damage to a company’s reputation. 

In this article, we will explore the most common causes of unauthorized access and the best ways to protect against them. Keep reading to learn more. 

What leads to unauthorized access? 

Weak passwords

Weak passwords are among the top causes of unauthorized access. Weak passwords include using only a few letters, not a combination of characters, and utilizing the most common passwords, such as password or 123456. So, suppose companies haven’t integrated tools to protect against unauthorized access and limit login attempts. In that case, hackers can use dictionary or brute-force attacks to try to gain access to companies’ accounts. 

Unfortunately, many companies don’t really protect themselves against these practices and may have poor password hygiene. One example of this kind is a company using the same passwords for multiple online accounts. 

Phishing attacks

Phishing attacks are also a common way for hackers to gain unauthorized access and steal business data. In phishing, hackers try to trick people into revealing their personal data by clicking a link that leads to an infected attachment or a malicious website. 

Weak network security

Companies can also have weak network security, failing to adopt the best practices to protect against online threats. So, they might lack network monitoring, encryption, or VPN configurations. These weak network security measures can lead to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, allowing attackers to steal sensitive business data. 

Insider threats

Insider threats are also a common way that leads to unauthorized access. These threats come from someone within a business —employees, business associates, former employees, or contractors. 

These insider threats can be both intentional and unintentional. An intentional insider is someone who accesses a company’s files with the intent to harm the business. This activity can occur for many reasons, such as revenge, economic gains, and espionage. Insider threats can also be unintentional, when employees might fall prey to hackers’ attempts to steal information and open the door to them. 

The best ways to prevent unauthorized access

Opt for a password manager

A password manager for business can help in removing unauthorized access. This happens because password managers generate strong passwords that are at least 16 characters long, combining uppercase and lowercase letters, as well as symbols and numbers. In addition, a password manager stores these passwords efficiently, reducing the chances of data breaches. 

Use two-factor authentication (2FA)

Using two-factor authentication is also a great way to protect against unauthorized access. In this step, companies need to enter their usernames and passwords, but that’s not the end of it. They also need to go through another authentication step, which may involve sending a code via email or SMS. 

Update software

Updating the software is also an essential way to reduce risks. When companies update their software, they can also fix the vulnerabilities it contains. In this way, they can better protect against these malware threats and reduce the chance that hackers will gain access to these accounts. This is an easy way to prevent data theft. 

Train employees with security awareness practices

Other ways to protect a business against unauthorized access include training employees on security awareness. In this way, workers can perceive a danger from the moment they first encounter it, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized access. When workers are hired, they should undergo security awareness training to learn about the most common attacks targeting companies, such as ransomware, phishing, and other cyberattacks. 

Strong password policy

Having a strong password policy in place can also help companies reduce the chances of unauthorized access. In this way, employees will know exactly what to use — and what not to use — when creating passwords, thereby protecting the company’s data. 

Physical security practices

Even though the companies should prioritize their online activity, they should also not forget about physical security. Employees should be reminded not to neglect their physical security and to do what it takes to protect it, such as locking devices when they are not at their desks, keeping sensitive documents protected, and not writing passwords down. 

The bottom line

Unauthorized access occurs when someone accesses the business’s files without the administrator’s permission. The causes of unauthorized access are diverse, and among the most common are system vulnerabilities and credential theft. Unauthorized access violates privacy laws and carries numerous consequences, including legal action against those who attempt to breach companies’ systems. 

In most cases, these attempts are made by hackers during data breaches. Hackers are trying to infiltrate the system for various reasons, including altering, stealing, or destroying information. This is why companies must also do what it takes and consider a proactive approach if they want to remain protected. Some good practices to consider include using multi-factor authentication, implementing password policies, keeping software up to date, and training employees on security awareness. 

With hackers increasingly targeting businesses, it has become more important than ever to prepare for these threats. We hope this article will help businesses in their efforts to prevent unauthorized access.