Cybersecurity is a hot topic these days. In the wake of recent high-profile cyberattacks, companies are more aware than ever of the need to protect their data and networks from digital threats. But many organizations still don't have the necessary tools or protocols in place to safeguard their systems.
If you're concerned about the security of your company's data, you can take steps to become a cybersecurity watchdog. Here are seven tips for getting started:
- Understand your company's cybersecurity policies
Knowing your company's cybersecurity policies is important because they dictate how you should behave when using technology within the company. They also outline what is and is not allowed, and can help protect your business and its employees from cybercrime. For example, many policies forbid the use of personal email accounts on corporate devices, which can help reduce the risk of confidential information being leaked.
- Learn about common cyber threats and how to protect against them
As a business owner, it is essential to stay in the know about the latest cybersecurity threats and how to protect your company against them. Here are some of the most common threats that you should be aware of:
- Ransomware: This is a type of malware that encrypts your files and holds them hostage until you pay a ransom. To protect yourself from ransomware, make sure you have up-to-date antivirus software and back up your files regularly.
- Phishing scams: These are emails or websites that attempt to trick you into giving away your personal information such as your password or credit card number. To protect yourself from phishing scams, be wary of any emails or websites that ask for personal information, and never enter your password or credit card number into a website that you don’t trust.
- Social engineering: This is the practice of manipulating people into revealing confidential information such as passwords or account numbers. To protect yourself from social engineering attacks, never reveal your personal information to someone who you don’t know and trust, and be suspicious of any unsolicited phone calls or emails. To learn more about social engineering and how to protect yourself and your company from social engineering tactics, read our recent blog post.
By staying informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and taking steps to protect yourself against them, you can help keep your company safe from harm.
- Monitor employee computer activity and report any suspicious behavior
Employees should be monitored while they are working on their computers, as there is always the potential for them to engage in suspicious behavior, whether done subconsciously or consciously, and it's important that you inform them of this upfront.
Employees need to be aware that their internet activity is being monitored for a variety of reasons. One reason is to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures. Different states have different laws when it comes to workplace privacy and employee monitoring. For example, in Connecticut, companies must inform employees in writing about monitoring and detail the methods used. In states like California, Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina, employers must be careful about how they monitor because those states have certain laws that guarantee residents a right to privacy. Be sure to research your state's laws on employee monitoring.
Monitoring employee computer activity serves as a means of protection, as it allows employers to uncover instances of employee theft or misconduct. By being able to see what employees are doing on their computers, employers can detect when someone is stealing company information or engaging in other inappropriate behavior. This helps to ensure that employees are acting in the best interests of the company and works to protect against any potential damage that could be caused.
Employers who monitor employee computer activity can improve workplace productivity in a number of ways. First, they can ensure that employees are using their time productively while at work. This can be done by monitoring which websites employees are visiting and what programs they are using. Secondly, employers can detect when employees are slacking off or wasting time on the job. This can help to identify which employees need to be encouraged or incentivized. Lastly, employers can use monitoring software to track employee productivity over time. This can help to identify which employees or departments need additional training or support to improve their work performance.
- Educate employees about cybersecurity best practices
There are many ways to educate employees on cybersecurity best practices. One way is to provide employees with online training courses that teach them how to protect themselves online. Another option is to print out cybersecurity best practices posters and hang them in the break room or other common areas. You can also hold weekly meetings to discuss the latest threats and how employees can protect themselves. Whatever method you choose, be sure to make sure employees are aware of the risks and how they can protect themselves.
- Back up company data regularly and securely store the backups
Backing up your company data regularly is one of the most important things you can do to protect your business in the event of a cyberattack. By having up-to-date backups, you can restore your data if it is compromised or destroyed by a cyber-criminal or hacker.
Backing up your data can also help you recover from other disasters, such as a fire or a natural disaster. By having a recent backup of your company data, you can get back up and running quickly, minimizing the damage to your business.
There are many different ways to back up your data, and it is important to choose a method that fits your needs. Some businesses choose to back up their data online, using cloud-based services. Others prefer to back up their data on physical media, such as USB drives or external hard drives.
No matter what method you choose, make sure to test your backups regularly to ensure that they are working properly. And be sure to keep your backups in a safe place, away from potential hackers or natural disasters.
- Stay current on the latest cybersecurity news and trends
Employers can help their employees stay current on the latest cybersecurity trends and threats by providing them with regular updates on the latest security threats and best practices. They can also provide employees with access to online resources, such as security blogs and newsletters, and offer regular training courses on how to stay safe online.
- Test your knowledge of cybersecurity by taking our free assessment!
Testing your cybersecurity knowledge is important, as it can help you stay safe online. One way to do this is by taking our free cybersecurity assessment This assessment allows us to better understand your current level of cybersecurity knowledge and identify any areas where you may need to improve. Get started today!
Cybersecurity is a critical issue for businesses of all sizes. By implementing the tips we have shared in this blog post, you can help protect your business from cyberattacks and other online threats. We encourage you to take some time to review these tips and put them into action, as they will help keep your data safe and secure. You can also stay current on the latest cybersecurity news and trends by subscribing to our newsletter or reading our managed IT services blog. And don't forget to test your knowledge of cybersecurity by taking our free assessment!
