Many tech business organizations wrongly believe that hackers won’t target their operations due to operating as IT service providers. However, they couldn’t be more wrong. Cybercriminals target tech businesses quite frequently. No matter how well-versed you are in cybersecurity, attackers will find innovative ways to exploit security-related vulnerabilities. If you think only bigger organizations employ cybersecurity measures, think again.
Cybercriminals target small businesses more often because they don’t have the necessary security resources or larger organizations. Fortunately, you don’t have to break your budget on expensive and robust cyber security features.
With that in mind, here are a few simple, cost-effective, and powerful tools you should consider using to protect your data and digital systems.
1. Docker Hub
If you’re working with Docker images, you should consider using Docker hub. As Docker’s official container registry, Docker Hub offers a cloud-based registry for hosting official images for MySQL, Ubuntu, Apache, Nginx, MongoDB, etc.
Aside from a vast library of trusted images, Docker Hub has built-in security features, such as multi-factor authentication, audit logs, and local image vulnerability scans.
Aside from helping you improve your security, Docker Hub is also an excellent tool for automating and enabling CI/DC and development pipelines. With Docker Hub, you can restrict access to specific images or limit who can access hosted images.
2. Cybersecurity vulnerability scanner
Next in line is a reliable, cutting-edge vulnerability scanning tool that allows you to monitor cybersecurity vulnerabilities and mitigate risks across every operational vertical in your organization.
It detects, identifies, and eliminates threats like bugs, encryption weaknesses, missing patches, misconfigurations, data breaches, malware infections, etc.
In addition to monitoring and scanning features, the best tools also offer recommendations on the most effective ways to prevent costly consequences.
3. Antivirus protection
This one goes without saying. You must have antivirus protection, including endpoint security/protection, to protect your business operations from the latest cybersecurity threats.
Thankfully, most antivirus products include endpoint security/protection solutions as part of the package. Antivirus protection is an excellent way to secure your mobile devices, servers, and laptop and desktop computers from untrusted applications, malicious activity, file-based malware, and virus infections.
They detect and block any suspicious activity before it gains access to critical data and digital systems. In addition, you get recommendations on the best remediation solutions required to proactively approach cybersecurity issues in your organization, with notifications and alerts when a threat is detected.
4. Web application firewall (WAF)
When deploying applications for your prospects, a web application firewall protects your customers and apps from cybercriminal exploits at an application level. Though a WAF can’t prevent every incident from happening, it can provide an additional layer of protection to mitigate well-known hack attacks and other similar security threats.
However, remember that a WAF alone isn’t enough to manage cybersecurity vulnerabilities. You should combine it with penetration testing and vulnerability management solutions to easily detect and mitigate application-layer weaknesses at their core.
5. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Many internet users think a VPN is reserved for private home networks only. However, a trustworthy VPN can help you reduce the attack surface and protect your digital systems more effectively. With minimal attack surface, hackers won’t have much to work with to exploit your vulnerabilities.
A VPN secures your data by encrypting incoming and outgoing network traffic between the customers and your business website. Instead of relying on public servers to maintain website uptime, a VPN reroutes your web traffic through a private server located within a private network.
Because of that, hackers will have difficulty accessing your confidential data. In addition, you can rely on a VPN to secure remote systems that require internet access to ensure your remote workforce remains safe and secure.
Conclusion
As you can see, you don’t have to break a budget to secure your digital business operations. Most of these solutions are available at discounted prices and via free trials. We recommend employing as many solutions as possible to ensure hackers don’t steal sensitive business data.
Though these tools provide basic protection, they can secure your systems against most cyber threats plaguing the modern digital business landscape. We also recommend completing your digital transformation process as soon as possible, as that can also contribute to protecting your business data against threats like data breaches.
Whether you want to protect your endpoints, APIs, web applications, employee mail, or user data, these solutions will help build a cybersecurity shield around your operations.