Make Computer Security a Priority for Your Business

Today, more work than ever is being done with the use of computers and/or the internet. No matter how much you are using computers as part of your business operations, you must make securing your computers a priority to keep your business and its data safe from potential outside attacks. This is especially true if you are storing intellectual property or personal information about your customers or employees on your network.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your computer and networks secure:

• Know the signs of a phishing attack: Phishing is a term used to refer to suspicious email links that ask you to insert private information, such as bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords or credit card numbers. In many cases, digital security breaches that happen at companies occur because one or more employees open these suspicious links, making the entire network vulnerable. All of your employees should be trained to recognize the signs of a phishing attack and know to never open a link sent from an unknown party.
• Enable automatic updates: Operating system updates should never be delayed—they often contain important security updates that protect your device from outside attacks. If you run a Windows-based PC, for example, you will periodically get messages informing you of a new update and asking you to restart your computer for the update to take effect. Do not put these updates off.
• Use antivirus and anti-malware programs: There are many outstanding antivirus and anti-malware programs, even free ones like Malwarebytes, that will keep your computer protected. Be on the lookout, however, for spyware or malware that masquerades as antivirus software. Do your research before deciding to download and install any antivirus program.
• Have strong passwords: Any passwords you use should be at least eight characters and should contain a mixture of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters (exclamation points, question marks, semicolons, underscores, etc.). Otherwise it becomes too easy for people to either guess your password or use brute force programs to crack into your accounts.
• Do not leave your computer unattended: When you leave your desk, either log off or turn off the device entirely. This prevents other people from being able to walk by and potentially access personal information.

IDMI.Net strives to provide all of our customers with the most secure email and technology services possible. For more information about bolstering your network security at your workplace, contact us today.