The most effective practices include data encryption, secure backups, strict access control, and continuous monitoring. Establishing clear policies for employees and regularly testing security systems ensures your data remains safe against evolving cyber threats.

A firewall acts as the first line of defense between your internal network and external threats. It monitors and filters traffic, blocks unauthorized access, and prevents malicious attacks from reaching sensitive systems.

Yes. Mobile devices and IoT gadgets are often less secure than traditional systems. Without proper protection, they can serve as entry points for hackers. Enforcing device policies and using mobile security tools reduces risks.

Encryption transforms readable information into unreadable code, which can only be unlocked with a decryption key. This ensures that even if attackers gain access to data, they cannot understand or misuse it.

The costs include financial loss, reputational damage, legal penalties, and downtime. Businesses may also lose customer trust and face long-term operational disruption. Preventive security is always more affordable than recovering from an attack.