Data poisoning can take a few approaches when attackers find a way to access your data. Logic corruption, data manipulation, and data injection are all ways that cybercriminals can lock down or render your network useless. In many cases, getting access back depends on paying a ransom, using something like CryptoLocker. The kind of poison attack (and the outcome) varies depending on the level of access the attacker can get. Here’s what you can do to ensure that access is prevented in the first place.  

IF YOU ONLY REMEMBER ONE THING

These poisoning attacks can greatly affect your IT system’s machine learning capabilities. So, the first logical step would be to invest in a good machine learning malware detection tool. These tools are different from the typical anti-malware tools you get in the market and are specifically designed to prevent machine learning capability poisoning. Do your research, contact peer companies who you know have solid cybersecurity practices for advice, or reach out to an IT partner. 

FOLLOW GENERAL IT SECURITY BEST PRACTICES

There are quite a few specialized practices and preventive measures that a reputable IT partner takes on, but for most companies, following general best practices can go a long way to keep you safe. 

• Training your employees to identify spam, phishing attempts, and possible malware attacks.  
• Following good password hygiene, which means never repeating or sharing passwords and only using passwords that meet the required security standards.  
• Having a powerful IT audit process, plus tracking and version control tools, to prevent any possible insider attacks.  
• Ensuring the physical security of your IT systems by way of biometric access, CCTV systems, etc.  

IF YOU DON’T HAVE TIME, GET HELP 

Whether it’s data poisoning or a malware attack, most small businesses don’t have the time to look into all the security aspects and options. Even if you happen to have an in-house IT team, taking on 24/7 monitoring may be too much for them to handle as you grow. Consider bringing an Managed IT Services Provider on board to help, so you can focus on your business and your customers, not your technology. Let us know if we can help.