Technology Services • Published 1/03/2018 5 Tips to Protect Your Business in the New Year

Today's digital world has changed the way we do business. From online shopping to day-to-day business transactions, online interactions consistently leave your data vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Today, companies need robust cybersecurity protection to safeguard their most valuable information.

Each and every employee plays a crucial role in your organization’s cybersecurity. By simply paying close attention to changes in your computer’s or software’s behavior, employees can help mitigate cybersecurity risks. Following the best practices below when accessing emails, files and the web can help reduce your risk.

Below are five tips to better protect your business in the New Year. 

1. Do not click on links received in emails.
   
   Instead of clicking the links in emails, go directly to websites. 99% of the time, you should never click links in emails; always visit the website manually – do not copy and paste.  The only exception to this rule is when you are expecting a particular email such as a forum registration or activation email.  In many cases you can identify bad links by hovering over the link.  The link should contain the sender’s actual domain name (amazon.com rather than order.amazon.com or amazon.net).
   
   
2. Never give your password to anyone.
   
   You should never give your password to anyone.  Your username and password is what helps identify you in the digital world. Do not leave sticky notes with your login information on a computer.  This gives someone easy access to that computer and their files.
   
   
3. Only use your corporate password for work sites.
   
   You should use separate email accounts for your personal accounts and only use your corporate passwords for work sites. Be cautious of using the same password for all work related items. Each of your email and web accounts should have a unique password so that if one account is hacked, your other account is still secure. If the password is comprised, someone may now have access to multiple accounts. 
   
   
4. Only allow your IT department to download and/or install software on your computer.
   
   There can be many potential problems with employees downloading and installing software on their devices. It could mean that employees accidentally download malicious software that is harmful to your network. There are several ways to prevent employees from downloading or installing software but one way is to have a written acknowledgement of policies requiring employees to seek help from their IT department.
   
   
5. Do not send sensitive information via email.
   
   You should avoid sending sensitive information through email. Emails can be easily accessed so never assume that they are private or confidential. There are better, more secure ways to send information electronically.

These are just a few best practices that you and your employees should be aware of. By being aware of phishing scams and following best practices, you can help reduce the risk of virus infection on computers. Unfortunately, cyber-attacks are an on-going threat for every organization.  Training your employees is a great next step in upgrading your cybersecurity protection. 

If you have questions about cybersecurity or would like to schedule employee training, talk to one of our professionals today.