Jimmy's Computer Service presents

A Step -By-Step Guide On How to Avoid CyberSecurity Disasters to Churches

President & Founder​

Jimmy Beasley is a man who knows the value of tenacity. His interest in the Information Technology industry began with an interest in technology and computers, where he developed a passion for delivering vision and impact that grows business. He gained both an Associate of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

Jimmy is the President and Founder of Jimmy’s Computer Services, LLC (JCS) in Lexington, Kentucky, where our daily bread and passion is all about creating I.T. solutions for businesses and individuals. JCS computer services helps people succeed by solving their technology problems.​

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Two Factor Authentication and Benefits

Failing to follow through on policies outlined in other government ministries may not have a major effect, but it is utterly catastrophic in the cybersecurity context. It is possible to do anything that may result in unanticipated, yet severe damage using only one method or workaround. As consumers’ data becomes more vulnerable, forcing all devices accessing that data to adopt fundamental security measures, such as device encryption and passcodes/PINs, will help increase their protection.

Additionally, multi-factor authentication requires users to be careful about the security of their passwords to help protect their systems from being accessed by those who have stolen them. In the end, we encourage the adoption of a password manager that can assist users not only in creating unique, complicated passwords effortlessly, but that also helps to enforce password standards and regulations.

Secure Firewalls and WIFI

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Some Additional Help

Data Encryption

You should encrypt any sensitive church information, such as the contents of computers. Due to the mobility of mobile devices, they are subject to theft. The difficulties involved in cracking a security measure only arise after someone has already acquired physical access to gadgets.

Consider very seriously for all mobile devices, encryption of your data should be applied. Smaller churches have a wide range of alternatives accessible to them. Both free-of-charge and premium software are included in this list. Do a comprehensive evaluation of each program to determine which best fits your church.

Passcode Protection​

Always use strong passwords and update them regularly if you utilize a wireless network. Also, any member of your network, such as a neighbor, may obtain access to your machines if they have been given network access. The congregation should have its own guest network while the church network should include a business network for the church PCs. This must be done in order to separate the two networks.

Create a VPN​

The simple fact is that you can’t keep all sensitive files offline all the time. Sometimes, you have to share sensitive data with other people over a network. In such scenarios, you need a way to share that data securely. The best way to ensure this is through a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

For starters, a VPN provides a secure way for your staff to access data remotely. For instance, if your staff need to access web-based or office files from home or a public location (like Starbucks or a hotel), a VPN enables them to do this securely.

This is because a VPN encrypts your information before sending. As such, even if an intruder manages to hijack the data during transit, they will not be able to understand it. This basically guarantees maximum security for your data between source and user.

A VPN also increases your online privacy by masking your identity. It enables your computers to access the internet anonymously. This protects you against cyber thieves who specifically target specific businesses.

Increasingly we are seeing directed attacks at businesses where miscreants attempt to defraud a single organization. With a VPN, such hackers can have a hard time locating you.

Performing Checks and Up to Date Training​

Always be keeping an eye on everything. It is important to keep conducting tests that are continuous and active, since this will let you realize when anything is incorrect. Comparable to keeping a vehicle in good running order, it is necessary to do frequent check-ups to ensure your surroundings remain current. You find out something is wrong with your engine while you are on the highway and have a breakdown. This is very inconvenient and even hazardous.

To avoid issues, you should deal with the problem when you have the time to. You should do your oil change when you have time, since then you can get the problem corrected right away. Other situations may be analogous to this one: Before issues develop, frequent vulnerability scans may uncover potential gaps and correct them before they turn into catastrophes.

A staff member and a member of the congregation are your church’s first line of defense, but they are also the church’s most susceptible link in the cybersecurity chain! As long as attackers understand this, they relish the ability to make victims feel terror and panic in order to persuade them to willingly surrender their identities and sensitive information.

Ensure your team members know when what, or where they might become a security concern, as well as teaching them to spot and prevent such harmful scenarios, such as ransomware, phishing, and so on. Cybercriminals are always looking over their shoulder. They expect that anything less than a continual training and testing regimen would leave the church vulnerable to assault.