Are Your Workers Trained in Cyber Security?

In the age of constant internet access, the lines between personal and business matters are blurred — chances are, your employees use their work devices to check personal accounts, and vice versa. This intermingling boosts convenience, but it also increases the likelihood of data breaches. Proper cybersecurity training can help reduce your risk and keep confidential data safe.

Email

Email is a quick and easy way to communicate about projects and send attachments. When you're hacked, that information can put your company in a compromising position. If you don't already, use encryption on all incoming and outgoing emails. Then, help your employees maintain cybersecurity by providing email training. Teach them how to spot phishing emails and scams, and provide guidelines for assessing attachments for safety. Keep in mind that protecting your work accounts might not be enough — according to a 2017 Dell End-User Security Survey, 49% of professionals admitted to using a personal email account for work tasks. Help prevent data breaches by requiring all business communications go through office accounts, and apply severe consequences for those who break the rules.

Password Safety

When it comes to cybersecurity, passwords are one of your greatest risks. In 2015, a TeleSign study found that 73 percent of online accounts are secured by passwords that are also used elsewhere. This means that if a low-security employee account is hacked, it can put your business-related accounts in danger. Increase safety with training and strict rules. Keep passwords long and complex, and use a combination of symbols, numbers, upper-case letters and lower-case letters. Require workers to change their work-related passwords frequently, and insist that they do not duplicate codes from other business or personal accounts. Although it's impossible to monitor many of these factors, a clear policy and comprehensive education can motivate employees to do better.

Public Wi-Fi

The dangers of public Wi-Fi are well documented. Using unsecured internet can result in exposing confidential files to hackers, transmitting login credentials or infecting devices with malware. When an open network is the only available option, however, chances are good that your employees might ignore the hazards in favor of convenience. Make cybersecurity easier for workers by helping them understand how to stay safe. Train them to follow Kaspersky recommendations and turn off file sharing, use SSL, and sign into a VPN for safe document transmission.

Clean Machines

Downloads, both intentional and otherwise, can be a serious threat to your office computers. A seemingly innocuous file or program can come with viruses, spyware adware and other malicious items. Keep these dangerous pieces of code off of your equipment by using a high-quality firewall. Help your employees spot problematic downloads by teaching them how to differentiate safe and hazardous file types, evaluate source websites and obey antivirus software warnings. This simple step can help boost overall cybersecurity and keep client data secure on your office machines.

As technology grows increasingly accessible and convenient, cybersecurity is a real risk for companies. With the right training and education, you can help employees use safe practices.

Image courtesy of Congress Check at Flickr.com