Why use tips to keep your business secure online?
While internet safety tuition could be important for those who are new to computers, brushing up on your skills could be key for professionals as well. In 2022, it was estimated that 4 in 10 internet users across the world had been victims of cybercrime. Within the UK, around 33% of people surveyed had been victims of some kind of cyber-related activity in the past.
When you consider that some of this number may be made up of working professionals it quickly becomes apparent why reminders of safe internet tips are be vital within a workplace.
Use strong passwords
One of the simplest safe internet tips can be to create passwords which are adequately secure. Many websites may require a minimum length for your password, as well as the inclusion of letters, numbers, and special characters.
A password that is too easy to guess, such as your name, a common word, or even the word ‘password’, could see your data become compromised. Choosing something more complex, and adding in other characters, may help you to better protect your data.
Change passwords regularly
Your passwords will become weaker over time, especially if a site you use has had a known data breach.
You may have also shared information, such as Netflix details, with friends or family, if you no longer wish for others to have these details or if you use similar passwords to these for business accounts this can be a serious security concern.
Changing your passwords approximately every three months, or as soon as you find out about a data breach, can help to keep your accounts more secure.
Use a password manager
The best way to protect your accounts is by using a dedicated password manager, this can be important when you’re looking for tips to stay safe online. Using a dedicated password manager can enable you to not only securely store your passwords, making it easier to remember them, but also create strong impenetrable passwords to begin with.
Using a password manager that encrypts your passwords could be especially good for companies that need to deal with large amounts of confidential or private data.
Enable multi-factor authentication
While you should always ensure you use strong passwords, it can be good to have additional layers of security. Multi-factor authentication gives you an additional layer. This can involve a code being emailed or texted to the number or address on file.
Alternatively, you might prefer to have a dedicated app that can provide time-sensitive codes for that specific account. Ensure that your contact details are kept updated, in case you find yourself locked out of your account or without the device that has the authenticator app.
Install updates
While system and browser updates can be lengthy and tedious, they do play an important role in protecting you. Some of these updates may include security patches, which may help to prevent people from gaining unauthorised access to your information.
Check for updates on both your browser and operating system. Taking the time to do so now could be far less costly than needing to spend hours changing passwords and recovering accounts in the future.
Use a VPN for browsing
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, can be great for your browsing needs. While this can be a good tip to stay safe online, it may also provide other benefits. The use of a VPN can encrypt your data, meaning all browsing remains anonymous.
In terms of looking for quotes online, this may mean that sites can’t view exactly where you are, or store data from previous visits, allowing you to get better deals.
Take note of websites
Website URLs can tell you a lot about the security of a page. When a company or site owner has invested in an SSL certificate, this can help viewers to feel more secure. That is because the site itself is encrypted, meaning it offers protection.
Should you collect any personal or financial information via your website, it may be imperative to have one. You can check whether a site has this certification based on the look of their site URL.
Those with certification will start with https, while those without will only show as http.
Disable file sharing
Although file and printer sharing can be quite convenient, they may open channels that hackers can use to gain access to your information or send files containing viruses and other harmful data. Keeping these turned off can be imperative for safety internet tips.
Instead, you might want to consider sending attachments via email, using USB drives that are only used for business purposes, or implementing a Cloud-based means of file sharing and saving.
Limit what you share
The use of social media and other online forums can be great for keeping in touch with others, finding out what your favourite influential people are up to, and even sourcing advice for any issues.
The more you post online, the greater the likelihood may be of becoming a victim of cybercrime.
While you may enjoy sharing holiday information or new treats with friends, something as simple as an airport photo uploaded to Instagram could act as a beacon to potential thieves, signalling your home is empty.
Personal information such as your home address, telephone number, email address, and even bank you use should also not be mentioned as this could give hackers more to work with.
Don't let phishing scammers get a bite
While you may be able to easily avoid some phishing emails (no, I am not related to a Nigerian Prince), others may be far more subtle.
You and your employees may receive emails claiming to be from your bank, HMRC, or even the Post Office, requiring you to update details. However, the link attached might not be legitimate. Often, these look all too real, right down to the logo and other information used. Yet, there may be discrepancies between the email and URL addresses given here and those that you know are the real business.
If in doubt, contact the provider using the information found via a known website or search engine. Never follow links sent in email communications. We provide cyber security training for you and your employees. This can be imperativee as employyes pose the biggest risk
Use reputable antivirus software
Antivirus software acts as a line of defence between you and potentially harmful sites or files. When combined with an advanced firewall, this may prevent you from opening websites or files that could do damage to your data or system, as well as help to cleanse your device of any existing viruses, malware, ransomware, or similar files.
You may want to consider opting for a paid version, as these often have more options for you to choose from. Distributing this amongst your team can be a simple way to keep your business secure online.
Avoid public Wi-Fi
Remote and hybrid working may give your team to work anywhere they choose, but this could also result in your business systems becoming compromised. Public Wi-Fi, such as those found in shops, restaurants, and public spaces, may be incredibly convenient but, due to the lack of security and encryption, they could be used to gain access to your data.
Should you wish to work in a public space, it may be better to invest in a mobile dongle for your laptop or use your phone as a secure hotspot.
Avoid downloads unless essential
In the days of LimeWire, Kazaa and other P2P sharing sites, it may have been more obvious which files were corrupt or harmful. Modern hackers and other cyber criminals have advanced with the times to make their work far less noticeable. This may mean that certain files look and behave as you might expect but may also be installing keyloggers or viewing your data in the background.
Unless essential, you might want to avoid downloading anything, especially if it isn’t from a website you know and trust.
Consider device security as part of your tips to stay safe online
It isn’t just your online accounts that you need to consider. A lack of device security may also contribute towards issues online.
Having secure locking on your device, such as strong passwords, facial recognition, or the use of fingerprint technology, could help to keep your information secure even if your device is lost or stolen.
Make sure to always lock your device when not in use, even if you step away from your desk for just a minute.
Undertake cyber security training
Each member of your team could benefit from regular training in cyber security, as well as safe internet tips. This may enable them to learn safe practices, and even prevent cyber attacks from being successful. Having adequate training can make a big difference when you want to keep your business secure online and avoid having to deal with the fallout from data breaches or loss of service.
Do you want to learn more about online safety?
Safe internet tips can be vital for both personal and business use. We use several IT services at Syn-Star, so have a clear understanding of what it takes to remain secure.
For help with your cyber security training, as well as Dark Web monitoring, contact us today.
