We live in a data-driven world, and the amount of information available to us is constantly increasing. As a result, the need to protect this data is more pressing than ever.

This is where the wide world of cybersecurity tools comes into play.

These tools are specifically designed to protect businesses from malware and data breaches through various security measures.

From firewall protection to parental supervision on digital sites, spam filters and more, there are countless cybersecurity tools available to help us protect our organisations’ valuable data.

In this blog, we'll be sharing the 5 cybersecurity tools that every business should use, so you can get back to what matters most - growing your company.

Let’s get started!

The five cybersecurity tools every business needs

Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is one of the most basic and essential tools for protecting against malware and other cyber threats.

Malware can come in many forms, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware. Antivirus software scans your computer or network for malicious code and quarantines or removes it.

It can also provide real-time protection to prevent new threats from infecting your system. Many antivirus software options exist, including Norton, McAfee, and Kaspersky.

However, it's important to keep your antivirus software up to date and to use additional security measures alongside it for maximum protection.

Password Managers

One of the most significant security vulnerabilities for any business is weak passwords.

Many people reuse passwords across multiple accounts or choose easy-to-guess passwords. Password managers help users generate and store strong, unique passwords for all their accounts.

This reduces the risk of a hacker gaining access to sensitive information by guessing or cracking passwords.

Password managers can also automatically fill in login information for users, saving time and making it easier to use strong passwords.

Popular password managers include LastPass, Dashlane, and 1Password. Using a reputable password manager that uses strong encryption to protect your information is important.

Cybersecurity Awareness Training

While the previous tools focus on technological solutions, the fact remains that 90% of breaches occur as a result of human error. As such, training is essential for reducing the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches.

Employees are the key to a company's security, as they can inadvertently fall prey to phishing scams or other social engineering attacks.

As such, cybersecurity awareness training is an essential part of any company's risk reduction strategy. Through effective training, your team become the strongest part of your defence.

Bob's Compliance offers full access to the engaging and short-form training catalogue from Bob’s Business, to help educate employees on best practices for cybersecurity.

This includes topics like phishing, password security, and social engineering. With affordable pricing and month-to-month plans, Bob's Compliance is an excellent option for businesses of all sizes.

By educating employees on how to stay safe online, companies can reduce the risk of cyber-attacks and protect their sensitive information.

VPNs

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts traffic and provides a secure connection between a user's device and the internet.

This protects against snooping on public Wi-Fi or other insecure networks. VPNs can also be used to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that is blocked in certain regions. VPNs create a secure tunnel between your device and a remote server, which encrypts all data that passes through it.

This ensures that even if someone intercepts your internet traffic, they won't be able to read it. VPNs can also help protect against man-in-the-middle attacks, where an attacker intercepts communication between two parties and alters it. Popular VPN options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost.

However, choosing a VPN provider with a good reputation and doesn't log your activity is essential.

Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to online accounts by requiring users to provide a second form of identification besides their password.

This could be a code sent to their phone, a fingerprint scan, or a security key. By requiring a second factor, 2FA reduces the risk of an attacker gaining access to an account even if they have the correct password.

Many popular services, including Google, Facebook, and Apple, offer 2FA options. It's important to enable 2FA on all accounts that offer it and to use a secure second factor, such as an authenticator app or a hardware key.