As an employee, you are the first line of defense against cyberattacks in this digital age. Even with technology ever-evolving to protect businesses from hackers and attackers, malicious actors are finding new and more sophisticated ways to gain access to corporate data. This means that you, the employee must be aware of the risks and take the necessary steps to ensure your organization’s safety.
How do you do this? By following the latest security protocols and best practices.
Here are eight safety tips for employees to stay protected from cyberattacks
1. Use a Strong Password
Choose a password at least eight characters long and includes a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid easily-guessed passwords and easily accessible personal information. Use a different password for every website and application.
Change your passwords regularly, and do not share them with anyone. Use a security program to monitor your online activity and protect your passwords from being hacked.
Further, a password manager can help you quickly and securely manage your passwords, making it easier to access sensitive information when needed.
2. Protect Your Data
Data security is vital for companies and their business operations. This means protecting your data from Cybersecurity threats like malware, phishing scams, data theft, and email scams. Data security includes protecting data in transit, at rest, and in use. The best way to secure data is by using strong authentication methods such as passwords and two-factor authentication.
Additionally, it is critical to regularly back up your data and keep it secure in a separate location. Finally, it’s not a bad idea to become familiar with your rights when it comes to privacy and data protection
3. Secure Your Web Browser
Cyberattacks use vulnerabilities in computer systems to gain access to sensitive data or to harm the computer. They target online vulnerabilities such as web browsers, web-connected devices, and services. Therefore, it is essential to secure web browsers with strong passwords and antivirus protection.
Avoid downloading software from untrustworthy sources. Be wary of phishing scams where cyber criminals attempt to obtain personal information or financial data by posing as legitimate entities or individuals. It is essential to report any suspicious activity or cyberattacks to your employer or the appropriate authorities. This will enable organizations to identify vulnerabilities in their systems and take steps to ensure they are not exploited.
4. Maintain the Latest Software
Maintaining the latest software on your smart devices is a vital component to securing your device’s security and data. It is important to update your device with the latest security patches and software updates to ensure it is addressing any vulnerabilities. Bonus – regularly updating your computer’s software can keep it malware-free.
5. Invest in Security Systems
The main goal of security systems is to protect a business from theft, malware, and data breaches. These systems can help monitor and manage online employee activity and ensure that sensitive information is not being shared inappropriately.
Not only do security system help protect a business from cyberattacks, but they can also be a cost-effective way to bolster overall cybersecurity at your company. Interact with New Charter Technologies’ Managed Security Services specialists to procure optimum security solutions.
6. Enable Firewall Protection
To safeguard your personal information, make sure you’ve enabled firewall protection at work. Firewalls keep an eye on attempts by bad actors to access your (or your customers’) operating system. Essentially, they form barriers between computers and other networks, helping to block malware and application-layer attacks.
And don’t forget, update your firewall regularly.
7. Use a VPN
Use a VPN to protect your online privacy and security. A VPN provides a secure, password-free way to connect to the internet via virtual networks. You can use a VPN to bypass government censorship, and access blocked content. You can protect your online identity and traffic from being monitored or intercepted.
A good VPN service will let you encrypt your internet traffic and secure your business communications. For example, you can use a VPN to unblock content in countries with restrictive internet censorship laws. In addition, a VPN protects your data by encrypting it on the device it’s using. It’s one of the best ways to keep your information private and safe when using the internet.
8. Embrace Education and Training
Education is perhaps one of the most important elements in having a robust cybersecurity plan. Employees should be fully aware of the risks associated with cyberattacks and take steps to protect themselves. This can include using strong passwords, encrypting data, and installing security software. It’s a necessary evil, but it could save you and your organization.
As mentioned above, report any suspicious activity or behavior. Install antivirus software, back up data regularly and learn how to use digital safety tools (such as two-factor authentication) to protect your digital identity further.
It’s not enough just to follow these important steps. Remember, knowledge is power.
The Bottom Line
Cybercrimes are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, capable of bypassing even the most advanced security measures. As such, businesses must invest in the proper tools, as well as employee training and education to strengthen their defenses against malicious actors. Organizations must also put measures in place to safeguard confidential and sensitive data, and for to maintain business continuity.
Without protection, all categories of data are susceptible to things like data breach campaigns which can spread information from your databases wherever the cybercriminal wants to send it.
To delve deeper into cybersecurity trends, information and protection, contact New Charter today!
