Simple Cybersecurity at Work

Cybersecurity is a critical part of any business, and there is a lot of behind-the-scenes tools to minimize risks for your network. However, one of the greatest risks comes from human error. End users’ cybersecurity habits can have big implications for the individuals on the personal level, but they also pose a threat to the coworkers and customers.  Here are a few simple things that you can do to improve cybersecurity at work! Add these to your cybersecurity habits at home for greater effectiveness.

Use a password manager.

Good, strong passwords are hard to remember. They contain a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. And you should have a different one for each account! Password managers are the best way to keep your credentials safe and accessible to you alone. With one master password, the manager will store all your passwords and easily retrieve them for you when needed. This allows you to use really strong passwords, without the hassle of memorizing them.

Watch for phishing emails.

Phishing is one of the most common cyberattack techniques. These fraudulent emails try to convince users that they are from legitimate people or organizations, so that the user will click on a link or open an attachment. This gives the hacker access to the computer. Be suspicious of unexpected messages, especially those that say it’s urgent. Look for typos and check the sender’s email address. And before clicking on any links, hover over them to see where they will take you. Malware, spyware, or a virus could be waiting on the other side. Learning to spot phishing is a skill that requires practice. Consider providing cybersecurity training for your employees, so that they can practice identifying phishing emails with the risk.

Use multi-factor authentication.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds strength to your login credentials. In order to access an account, MFA requires that you use another layer of security, in addition to your username and password. This additional authentication could be something you have (a verification code on your mobile phone), something you know (a security question), or something that you are (like your fingerprint). MFA can be set up by individuals on their accounts, but it can also be implemented by businesses for their workforces. This is an incredibly effective solution to secure your accounts.

Update your software.

Those software update notifications aren’t there to annoy you; they actually are vital to the health of your system. As cybersecurity professionals develop new defenses, cybercriminals come up with new avenues of attack, and the cycle continues. Software updates and patches keep your defenses strong by fixing weaknesses in your systems. So when that little notification tells you that you need an update, don’t delay!

Cybersecurity is a big deal.

These tips are a great place to start boosting your cybersecurity, but they are just the beginning. There are many ways that end users can be more cyber-aware. If you are concerned about cybersecurity for your business, we can provide the tools you need to help your systems and team members become cyber-champions.