Ensuring the security of your business’s applications is essential to protect against cyber threats. Following the Essential Eight from cyber.gov.au, here are three simple steps to secure your applications effectively.
1. Implement Application Whitelisting
Application whitelisting ensures that only approved applications can run on your systems, preventing the execution of malicious software.
How to Implement Application Whitelisting:
- Create a list of approved applications for your business.
- Use application control solutions to enforce whitelisting. A good example of this is our service called Airlock.
- Regularly review and update the list to include new, necessary applications and remove obsolete ones.
2. Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings
Macros can be exploited to run malicious code. Limiting their use protects your systems from macro-based attacks.
How to Configure Macro Settings in Office 365:
- Open any Office 365 application.
- Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings.
- Select “Disable all macros with notification” to prevent unauthorised macros from running.
- Tip: You can use a global Macro policy(s) for your organisation.
3. Regularly Patch Applications
Keeping your applications up to date with the latest security patches is crucial for closing vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
How to Patch Applications:
- Enable automatic updates for all software used in your business.
- Regularly check for updates and apply them promptly.
- Use patch management tools to streamline and automate the update process. A good example of this is our Foundation IT Package.
Get Started with our Foundation IT package
Our Foundation IT package is a complete, easy-to-implement solution designed to enhance your businesses device security. It contains:
- Antivirus Software (BitDefender) for Desktop to protect your computers from malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.
- Proactive Hardware and Software Monitoring to detect and resolve issues before they impact operations. This minimises downtime, keeping your business running smoothly.
- Automated Security and Application Updates to keep your software up-to-date with the latest security patches, mitigating vulnerabilities without manual intervention. Automation also saves you money by keeping all applications and operating systems current and reduces the risk of outdated software being used.
- Security Event Monitoring which provides real-time monitoring and quick response to security events.
- Automated Software Deployment to simplify the deployment of new software and ensure efficient and consistent installations, reducing IT staff workload and saving money.
- IT Asset Management to keep track of all your IT assets efficiently.
- Service Desk Access to you can log and track support tickets easily.
- Remote Support. Get expert help where and when you need it without the need for an on-site visit, saving time and money.
- Two Hours of Support / Per Licensed User / Per Month to ensure you have access to IT support when you need it.
- Automated Backup for Microsoft Office 365 to protect your valuable business data.
- Enterprise Grade Email Security – which protects your business email and Office 365 environment from advanced threats.
- Office 365 Business Basic License to provide essential Office 365 applications for your business.
- End Point Ransomware Prevention to safeguard your devices from ransomware attacks.
Alignment with Security Frameworks:
Our Foundation IT Package also aligns with leading security frameworks, ensuring you meet industry standards for cybersecurity, including the Essential Eight and the NIST Cybersecurity Frameworks.
For more information you can either reach out or subscribe to the package here.
Take Action Today!
By implementing these three simple steps, you’ll enhance your business’s application security significantly. Don’t wait until it’s too late – start protecting your business today.
If you need further assistance or tailored security solutions, we’re here to help. Contact us at www.simpleshift.digital/contact to schedule a consultation. Let’s make your business safer, together!
This article was co-written with Open AI.