Don’t click that! That email attachment is a virus sent by a cyber criminal disguised as a trusted sender.
Unfortunately, though, you’re too late. One of your employees already downloaded the attachment. Your whole network is now infected.
This is just one very common scenario that threatens data and network security for small businesses. Besides this, we have many, many other scenarios to share with you today.
Not only that, but we’ll tell you what to do to protect your company from these heinous threats. This guide has the top tips that you desperately need to know.
Use this data/network security checklist to prevent nightmarish IT disasters.
Table of Contents
1. Use Strong Passwords
Easy-to-guess passwords are pointless. A cyber criminal will figure them out in minutes. Your passwords should:
- Include 12+ characters
- Include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols
- Not contain obvious keyboard paths (i.e., QWERTY)
- Not include personal/personally relevant information (your name, a pet’s name, etc.)
Repeated passwords also threaten security. If one account is hacked, all accounts with this password are compromised.
2. Keep Your Computer Locked
You wouldn’t put valuable jewels in a safe and then leave the safe door wide open, would you? It’s just as stupid to create a strong password, only to leave your computer unlocked. Always keep your computer locked when not in use.
3. Don’t Share Accounts
Sharing access to your accounts defeats the purpose of password protection altogether. If you want employees to access certain data, they must have their own accounts.
4. Limit Access to Data
Creating individual employee accounts also lets you limit their access. Each employee should only have access to data that’s relevant to their department.
Even then, accessing extra sensitive information should require a manager override.
5. Track Your Employees
You can also use employee accounts to track employees. This lets you know who’s to blame in the event of a data breach. For this reason, do not let employees share their accounts/signed-in devices with each other.
6. Train Your Employees
Likewise, educate your team on all the security tips on this list. Be firm in your enforcement of these guidelines with little-to-no tolerance for non-compliance.
7. Beware of Email Attachments
Educate your team about common email scams and scam prevention tips. Most importantly, don’t allow employees to download email attachments without a manager’s approval.
8. Use a Reliable Antivirus Program
Protect your network with a top-rated antivirus program like Kaspersky. In fact, use two or more. Run virus scans at least once a day.
9. Hire a Reliable IT Service
Lastly, recruit a team you can trust to handle data and network security threats. To get as much help as you need when you need it, it’s best to hire a third-party managed IT service.
Protect Business Data and Network Security With These Tips
Don’t let a security blunder ruin your business. Protect your business by bookmarking this page and following these tips.
For extra protection, share this data and network security guide with your management team.
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