Did You Know? Microsoft Blocked Over 35.7 Billion Malicious Emails Last Year
That’s right. In just one year, Microsoft stopped a staggering number of cyberattacks, blocking a whopping 1,000 malicious emails every second. That’s about 31.5 million seconds of hard work keeping your inbox clean and your business safe.
Most of these attacks were phishing attempts—those sneaky emails designed to trick you into clicking a link that can install malware on your device or, worse, across your entire network. On top of that, Microsoft also blocked 9.6 billion brute force attacks, where hackers try to guess your passwords and break into your systems.
Microsoft’s defenses are clearly impressive, but there’s still work to be done on your end to keep your business secure.
Are You Leaving the Door Open?
Even though cybercriminals are often using simple tactics, they’re surprisingly effective. Why? Because both individuals and businesses sometimes drop the ball when it comes to protecting their credentials.
Maybe you’re using the same password for multiple accounts. Or perhaps you’re relying on easy-to-guess passwords without leveraging tools that could better safeguard your data. Sound familiar?
Building Stronger Security Layers
If you’re guilty of using the same password across different accounts, the first thing to do is—stop! Seriously, creating unique passwords for each account is a critical first step. That way, if one account is compromised, it doesn’t become a gateway for hackers to access all of your other accounts.
The second must-do is to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) across your business. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to add an extra layer of security to all of your accounts and apps. MFA works by sending a one-time login code, often to your phone, that’s required in addition to your password. So even if someone guesses your password, they still can’t get in without that code.
If you use online banking, you’re probably already familiar with how MFA works. But it’s not just for banking—it should be standard for all your business accounts.
Take It Further
But don’t stop there. You can bolster your security even more with tools like:
- Password managers that create and store strong, hard-to-crack passwords securely.
- Biometric logins for your devices, like Face ID on your phone, making it even harder for hackers to gain access.
Got questions about adding these layers of protection to your business? Reach out, and we’ll help you get set up.