When it comes to introducing cybersecurity solutions, most businesses will primarily focus on their IT infrastructure and device endpoints. But what happens when a threat manages to break through these barriers and targets an employee?

If members of staff do not know how to recognise or react to the growing number of security threats that now exist, your business and its most valuable assets could easily be compromised.

So to avoid the worst case cybersecurity scenario, bear the following tips in mind.

Practice clean and tidy workstations

You might not think that messy employees pose much of a treat, but what if they leave USB drives lying around or fail to secure their desktop computer? This is asking for trouble.

There’s also the possibility of not being able to locate a missing folder containing sensitive information, which could delay the discovery of a theft.

Block phishing attacks

Employees should always be suspicious of phishing attacks, particularly if they don’t know the sender of an email. Ways in which to block phishing attacks include:

  • Not revealing personal or financial information in an email
  • Checking the security of websites as well as practicing safe browsing habits
  • Paying close attention to website URLs to check for legitimacy
  • Verifying suspicious email requests by contacting the company in question directly
  • Keeping a clean machine by using the latest software versions

Strengthen password security

Employees must avoid the use of passwords that are easy for hackers to guess. Hackers will even target weaker passwords by checking all combinations of upper/lowercase for words, placing numbers at the beginning and the end of words, and replacing letters with numbers.

Along with making sure employees change their passwords at least every three months, organisations may also want to consider two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.

Secure web browsing and mobile devices

Website browsing best practices for employees include being conservative with online downloads, only interacting with reputable websites, knowing about common scams and using social media in a responsible way.

As for mobile, employees should set a PIN or passcode for their device, use remote locate tools in case of loss or theft and regularly audit their phones to remove unnecessary information.

 

Security Solutions for SMB’s

DSI’s Managed Service offerings including Network Security and Mobile Device Management. If you would like to know more about how you can keep you and your employees safe read our ebook: Cybersecurity Tips forEmployees: The Complete Guide to Secure Behaviour Online and in the Office

We’re here to help you take the hassle out of IT management, so you can focus on your business. So if you need support securing your IT across multiple devices call us +44 (0)208 017 0007 or +44 (0)1322 520480