Cyber security is a hot-button topic for businesses of all types and sizes, and even with the best information technology team and insurance plan, there are still actions your employees need to take to protect the company from cyber attacks.
“Click” risks include downloading unauthorized software or clicking on a seemingly benign link that carries invasive code. These common errors can expose a business to hacking, malware and viruses. Keep your business network healthy with strict rules and frequent electronic policy education for employees.
Even if your business network is secure in the office, how secure is it when accessed via a mobile device? Employee-owned phones, tablets and computers are not built with your business's security in mind. When employees access, forward, open or respond to an electronic communication on their own devices, they could transmit malicious code. It is possible to “harden” your systems against threats from employee-owned devices, so inquire about protecting business systems from “bring-your-own-device” exposures.
Hate dealing with gobbledygook passwords? Everyone does, but using full words, the same or similar passwords, and easy-to-remember numbers could open the door to hackers. Passwords need to be changed frequently and include letters, numbers, special characters, and mixed casing to increase security. Doing so significantly increases your cyber security.
Free Wi-Fi makes us happy, but logging on to an unsecured network invites a host of security threats. Using a VPN (virtual private network) or personal hot spot may be a better option.
Lost or stolen devices are an extreme cyber hazard. Make sure employees can access their devices remotely to disable any functionality, so-called “bricking” the device.
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