If you own a business, you should educate your employees on keeping themselves safe online. Use methods that will constantly remind them to stay vigilant online. Educate the company about the different problems or threats they might encounter online. Doing that will lessen your company’s chances of becoming the next victim of cybersecurity problems like phishing emails or data breaches.
Here’s a guide on how you can keep everyone safe online.
Use Software to Protect Any Data
Modern-day scammers can create a fake caller ID, while cybercriminals can develop a website or an email address that mimics the real ones. Only a more experienced hacker can take over a company’s social media accounts to reach out to customers. In other cases, they can also access its intellectual property, sensitive information, and data. Be mindful when posting a company picture online.
Keep your data, customers, or employees safe by implementing practices or developing policies that cover cybersecurity. You can discuss how to report ransomware or how to destroy data that your company no longer needs.
Use the Two-method Authentication
Using two-method authentications and complex passwords will also help. Using simple passwords will make it easier for hackers to access company data or accounts. If they gain access to your company’s network, they might also access your important data or other sensitive information. Include it in your company’s guidelines to constantly update your passwords. One of the best examples of this is using password managers.
In accessing sensitive data, you can educate your employees about using multi-factor authentication. It provides a higher level of protection by verifying one’s identity before gaining access. One example is sending a temporary code to log in.
Install Firewall Protection at Work
Installing a firewall for your company is your protection against cyberattacks. That’s because a firewall can stop unauthorised individuals from accessing your network, mail services, website, or other sources of information that hackers can access online. You shouldn’t be too dependent on your company’s existing firewall.
Install one at home if you’re working from home. Try to check your resources to see if you can provide firewall software for employees working at home.
Install Software Security Updates
It’s also best to update your operating systems, web browsers, and security software to get the latest protection features. Both anti-malware and antivirus software programs are constantly changing to address new cybersecurity threats. If your IT department sends out instructions about security updates, take action immediately. Installing the needed updates will help your company prevent any cyber threats.
Most cybercriminals will want to access your data, so you have backup or secure files to minimise the cases of a malware attack or a data breach. Make it a habit in the office to educate your employees about where and how to back up data. You can store sensitive information in the cloud, on an external hard drive, or offline.
Minimise Any Third-party Access
Even your employees can start leaking the company’s information for money, so you should limit their access to customer information. If your business has a lot of access to customers’ and employees’ data, you’ll have to educate your team about using and storing sensitive information. You’ll also have to educate them about how they can protect these pieces of information from unauthorised individuals.
If you can, work with companies with network penetration testing services to monitor everyone’s access to your company’s computer network. Make sure to limit third-party controls to employees and deactivate access when they leave the company.
Train or Educate Your Employees
Educate your employees. If you’re running the IT department, your company will expect you to understand its cybersecurity measures. Likewise, they also expect you to follow its guidelines. If you’re uncertain of the procedures, don’t be afraid to ask. If you’re an average employee, learning how to use the security features will help. Or, you can teach yourself about the standard hardware or computer terms.
That makes it easier to retrieve or access information to address a problem. If you also have plans of investing in cloud-based systems, ask the IT department for assistance.
Let Your IT Department Help You
Your IT department is your best defence, so you don’t hesitate to ask them for support about protecting sensitive information. It’s also helpful to discuss security warnings so that your IT can recommend what you should do.
Even if you’re on vacation, stay in touch with your IT department because they can still assist you, especially if you’re using public Wi-Fi. It’s also best to ask your IT department to educate your company about phishing emails or other kinds of cyberthreat. If you or one of the staff encounters this, call your IT team.
Everyone should do their part in protecting your company’s sensitive information. You and your employees can find many options to keep your intellectual property, sensitive information, and data safe from threats.
