Social engineering hacking is a genuine issue many individuals face in their business and personal lives. As using computers and the internet is a vital element of work-life, social engineering and cyber risks are inevitable factors. 

It can be scary and worrying to think about, but there are ways that you can overcome social engineering hacking with systems and measures that you can put in place for yourself and your team. 

In this article, we will cover the security systems that you can introduce both digitally and physically to ensure you can prevent these risks while providing you with background information on social engineering. 

What is social engineering? 

Social engineering refers to a form of cyber hacking in which internet users are manipulated to share personal and classified information with untrusted sources, which may use these details for fraudulent activities. 

An example of social engineering that many people will know of is phishing. In this circumstance, a fraudulent message is sent via phone, email, or add pop-up posing to be a secure source but is actually aiming to trick someone into sharing their personal information, such as bank details. 

Those who are not trained in internet safety and security often fall for these nasty hacking techniques, and anyone who uses the internet can be at risk of being on the receiving end.

How to prevent social engineering hacks 

Educating yourself and the team on internet safety is a must when preventing social engineer hacking. However, you should also consider a few more security processes to help you. There are many viable options, from multi-factor authentication to continuously updating your security systems. Below, we have listed a few measures that you can put in place to leverage your security; 

Leverage cloud-based cyber security systems and on-premise based physical security 

Having two security systems in place is always a good option, as if one system goes down or is at the receiving end of hacking, you will have another plan in place. 

Cloud-based security systems allow you to track who has access to your online assets and databases, giving you the ability to deny and grant access to different users. This system is great for businesses with work models that include remote employees, as you can successfully note who is using the database. 

Physical security includes systems such as access control that only grant specific identities access to your office or work facilities. For example, your employees can use fobs, keycards, or biometrics to gain access to physical elements of the business, ensuring that they are the only ones entering and using business attributes. 

As you can see, both of these systems are sturdy and have benefits, but having both of them set up guarantees you more security in both elements of your company. 

Integrating cyber and physical access control

Having cyber and physical security systems is recommended, but going the extra step with the systems and integrating them is even better. A way you can do this is by setting up cloud-based security measures for your physical-based security as well as security that is cyber-based. 

An example of this is by using a video security system for your work premises, which is synced with cybersecurity tools that enable you to verify a visitor’s identity and guarantee that they are the person your physical system thinks they are. 

Controlled entry systems are a popular and trustworthy tool for overseeing who has access to your office building. Ensuring that your business hub is secure and only allows your staff entry helps to eliminate a physical threat, meaning you can harmoniously concentrate on cyber and physical-based security, knowing that one of them is already secure. 

Using large cloud-based providers

With any service you use, it is always best to go with a trusted and well-reviewed provider. This is no different when it comes to cyber and physical security measures. Going with a robust and dependable service will significantly reduce your risk of facing troubles with hackers.

You may be wondering what the point is in having cloud-based security, so we have included some benefits below that may convince you to make the leap;

• You can rest assured that your data is backed up and secure, making it less likely for any data losses to occur.

• You have constant visibility of what is being uploaded and who is accessing the cloud, allowing you to control who has access to your data.

• Cloud-based security is a cheaper way of gaining security on your cyber assets, making it a viable option for any smaller businesses to use while still being secure. 

Summary

There are several ways to protect your business from physical and cyber threats, and there is no reason you shouldn’t put measures in place to prevent risks to either side of your security. However, educating yourself and your team is paramount regardless of which security systems you decide to use. Take time to learn the ways you can combat threats and how you can prevent them from happening by using learning resources and materials.