It's National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to reflect on the universe of cyber threats. Is your business and are your employees doing all they can to protect their networks, devices, and data from cyber threats? Chances are you're vulnerable, which is why it's critical to keep reading to discover the important cybersecurity habits that are both easy to implement and essential for your protection.
We all lead Internet-connected, digital lives, from our desks and homes to on the go. Everyone has a role in securing our own part of cyberspace, including the devices and networks we use. Our individual actions have a collective impact and when we use the Internet safely, we make it more secure for everyone. If each of us does our part—implementing stronger security practices, raising community awareness, educating everyone -- young and old -- together we will become a digital society which is safer and more resistant and protected when attacks occur.
SMART Cybersecurity Habits for Everyone
1. Think twice before clicking on links or opening attachments. Links in emails and online posts are often the way cybercriminals compromise your computer. If you are unsure, be cautious and contact the person or company directly.
2. Verify requests for private information. Make sure you don’t reveal any personal or financial information in an email, and always check the security of a website before sharing sensitive information online.
3. Always use strong UNIQUE passwords. Use the longest password you can think of. Consider the last book you read, a news headline or another phrase and then add capitalization and special characters.
4. Protect your devices, lock them up or take them with you. Keep a close eye on your belongings when you are in a public place. When you are at work, secure your device by locking your computer screen before you walk away, even for a second. Password protect all your devices.
5. Keep all devices, browsers, software and apps updated to the latest version available. Maintain your security settings to keep your information safe by turning on automatic updates so you don’t forget. Set your security software to run regular scans automatically.
6. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to provide a secure and anonymous network connection when using public Wi-Fi. If you do not use VPN then you take the risk of hackers being able to see anything you send over a network.
7. Secure your sensitive data through encryption. One of the best ways to be sure data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands is to use encryption. Even if an attacker manages to access data, it is of little or no value if it’s encrypted. The best security practice is to encrypt data “at rest” in the database where it is stored and data “in transit” where users are sending and receiving data. (Think Email)
10 Cybersecurity Tips for Businesses
1. Train employees in security principles.
2. Protect information, computers, and networks from cyber-attacks.
3. Provide firewall security for your Internet connection.
4. Create a mobile device action plan.
5. Backup important business data regularly and have it monitored.
6. Control physical access to your computers.
7. Create user accounts for each employee and limit user authority.
8. Secure your Wi-Fi networks.
9. Force employees to change their passwords every 90 days.
10. Use Multifactor Authentication to verify the user’s login identity.
The Internet is a shared resource and securing it takes the effort of everyone. Use these cybersecurity tips to ward off the danger of an attack. Trust us, it's worth it. Not sure how to accomplish this? Give us a call. Our experts would love to help you with your cybersecurity needs and train your employees to ensure your business tech is safe.
If you want more great information technology tips, visit our blog or if you have any questions feel free to call our office at 973-448-0070 ext 312 to talk to Patrice.
Contact us at 973.448.0070