With billions of people going online every day, it is no surprise that threats, crimes, and other illegal activities are being committed in this space. In 2017, the U.S. government spent a massive $19 billion to fund efforts on cyber security, but barely managed to scratch the surface.
Hackers, identity thefts, and perpetrators of illegal gambling and porn activities continue to increase and evolve. They are using sophisticated technology and high-level encryption to crack through financial systems, offices, and other businesses.
Cyber criminals attack computer systems and take control of networks through spyware, ransomware, and viruses. These viruses can be released into your network and cause extensive damage to your files. Trojans and other spyware, on the other hand, collect various data and information.
Who is susceptible to cyber-attacks?
Any company or person can be the target of a cyber-attack. In recent years though, the financial, healthcare, manufacturing, and learning institutions were the favorite targets of hackers.
This has led to tighter security in cyberspace and the formulation of industry best practices and guidelines. There are now cyber security professionals tasked with watching, monitoring, and preventing more cyber crimes from happening.
How do you prevent cyber-attacks in the workplace?
Cyber security best practices in the workplace start with the right training and education. Investing in staff training and awareness will make a huge difference, especially when the guidelines later become part and parcel of the company’s rules. Here are some important areas to consider.
Password management
To secure passwords for all company software, apps, and programs, a password management app like LastPass or IT Glue will help. This will hold all of your passwords in one secure place, enabling individuals to generate a strong but random password.
They will only need to recall one strong password to unlock the entire app. As a recommendation, use very strong passwords and use them once. Never store them or leave on a post-it on your computer.
Additionally, team members who use the same tools online such as Hubspot, Hootsuite, or Trello can have access to each other’s passwords for these specific tools. This will allow continuity in case one staff member is sick or on vacation.
Use of Virtual Private Network (VPN)
VPN use is considered optional, especially for many businesses. This will help encrypt all traffic to and from your computer until such time it gets to its destination. If somebody manages to get in your traffic, all they can get are encrypted junk files. VPN helps in securing your important business data that you do not want to get into the wrong hands.
Training on cyber security
Make it a point to educate employees with the same best practices. You can have a town hall meeting and call in a cyber security service provider to do a presentation on the importance and effects of good cyber security practices.
Besides regular password changes, and the use of password managers and VPNs, it is also important to be wary of programs and emails that look suspicious. Do not download files or attachments from websites you do not trust and refrain from visiting scrupulous sites. All of these little things can help make your computers and networks secure.
