Tech Tip: How to Keep Staff From Unintentionally Causing a Security Breach
By • April 12, 2021 0 1060
With so many access points, from mobile phones to laptop and home computers, how can business owners hope to keep their network safe from hackers, viruses and other unintentional security breaches?
The answer is not “one thing,” but a series of things that you have to implement and constantly be vigilant about, such as installing and constantly updating your firewall, antivirus, spam-filtering software and backups. This is why clients hire specialists — it’s a full-time job for someone with specific expertise.
Once that basic foundation is in place, the next most important thing you can do is create an Acceptable Use Policy and train your employees on how to use company devices and other security protocols — such as never accessing company email, data or applications with unprotected home PCs and devices, for example.
Also … how to create good passwords, how to recognize a phishing email, what websites to avoid, etc. NEVER assume your employees know everything they need to know about IT security. Threats are ever-evolving and attacks are getting more sophisticated and clever by the minute.
This Tech Tip column is one great way to keep your employees informed, but you still need a good AUP in place, accompanied by training. If you’d like help in creating one for your company, based on best practices, contact a firm like Computerware. You’ll be glad you did.
Alan Edwards, CISM, is chief information officer at Computerware, Inc., in Vienna, Virginia.
