cybersecurity Archives - WheelHouse IT

3 Cybersecurity Strategies Businesses Must Think About

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If your business struggles with network security, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most challenging parts of running a business, and even if you do invest a ton of time, effort, and money into your security systems, chances are you could still be doing at least something better. Today, we want to talk about three cybersecurity strategies you can use to improve your company’s security without completely draining your bank account.

Encrypt Whenever Possible

Encryption in and of itself will make your data and communications more secure. It scrambles your data so that it is unrecognizable to your average viewer. Encryption helps to keep your data secure from those who might harm it or steal it. Some common ways businesses implement encryption include virtual private networks, which encrypt traffic moving to and from your network to any connected devices. Other businesses might encrypt data storage, as well as communications. If you want to get started with encryption, a good place to begin is by calling us!

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication is a practice which attempts to make the password obsolete through the implementation of additional authentication measures. Basically, instead of using one credential to access an account, you use multiple credentials of various types. We recommend that you use something you have (a smartphone), something you know (a password), and something you are (a biometric) to keep as many accounts secure as possible. With so many barriers to your data, hackers are sure to hesitate against your network.

Practice Zero-Trust Cybersecurity Strategies

Zero-trust policies have gained a lot of traction in the business world, and it’s easy to see why. They are a means to guarantee that whoever is accessing important data on your infrastructure is who they claim to be. If the user cannot verify their identity, they cannot access the data, period. This goes for anyone, not just the average office worker. Even executives are subject to the same zero-trust policies. This helps to make data much more secure and controlled, and while it can be a bit tricky to implement, we recommend trying it out if you can.

Don’t let security be a major pain point for your business. Get started with better solutions today by reaching out to us at 954.474.2204.

Everyday Cyber Security Tips For Businesses

Businesses of all sizes are facing cyber security threats on a continuous basis. Since these threats are evolving each day, it is prudent to consider daily tips that can help you protect your business from such malware. That will not only promote continuity but also protect your valuable investment in the infrastructure you have in place.

Here are some tips you can adopt everyday to make this a possibility.

Educating and Enforcing Accountability Regarding Cyber Threats

Learning does not stop, and as an employer, you should make it your aim to train staff on dangers of exposing details about the company to the public on social sites. Online hackers can use such information to break into the firm’s network system, which is often detrimental to the smooth running of daily operations.

Therefore, it is important to caution employees on the risks of getting into such engagements. Also, commit to guiding them on the responsible use of social platforms each day. Once you do so, you can hold each accountable for their online actions.

Have A Mobile Device Action Plan

Nowadays, the majority of individuals can access their company’s data on mobile devices as employers seek to increase their productivity. In addition to the benefits of such an approach, the danger of losing such devices and finding their way in the hands of criminals still lurks around. To protect against threats of this kind, make use of passwords to gain access a requirement for every employee.

Additionally, encryption of this data is a necessity and installation of security apps will protect against those who hack systems when the phone is on public networks. Daily monitoring of these devices is critical too.

Consider Anti-spyware Installations

Anti-spyware and antivirus software is available from various vendors who provide regular updates for the same as well. As such, you need to install the software for every computer in your establishment and configure it to update automatically.

That will ensure regular update of systems, which is an essential daily procedure. If you need more information on cyber security tips, contact us today.

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4 Cyber Security Tips for Employees Who Work Remotely

Thanks to the internet, many businesses now allow employees to work remotely part of the time or even most of the time. However, this presents a whole slew of security concerns. Here are some cyber security tips for employees who work remotely.

Be Wary of Anything Public

Public WiFi certainly makes staying connected easier, but consider having a policy that employees are not allowed to use public wifi when doing work stuff. This is the best way to prevent passwords from getting stolen or devices from becoming compromised on unsafe WiFi networks. At the very least, have some rules in place about which networks are acceptable and what kind of activity can be done when connected to them. Employees can also use their mobile phones as a hot spot if they need to stay connected. In addition, make sure your employees avoid using public computers whenever possible. The same goes for working in a public area where everyone can watch what you are doing.

Be Wary of BYOD

If you have a BYOD (bring your own device) policy, you can’t really control what employees do on their laptops or phones. One compromised device can endanger the entire network. Consider issuing laptops and tablets specifically for work and prohibiting other devices from using your WiFi. Each work-issued device should only be able to access the data that that specific employee needs. This way, you will mitigate the risks of data becoming compromised.

Encrypt Your Email

Email is one of the most common ways hackers get access to a network. Use tools or a service to encrypt your work-related emails.

Train Your Employees

Train your employees regularly on good cyber security practices. Chances are that many are simply ignorant about what to do and what to avoid. A monthly training session can go a long way.

For more cyber security tips, contact us today.

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Cybersecurity: Never Leave Your Devices Unattended

People leave their electronic devices, be they phones or laptops, completely unattended every single day. Of all the ways that your device can be stolen, such carelessness is the most easily avoided of them all.

It is actually rather scary how common it is to see someone just leaving their electronic devices lying out in the open with their owner nowhere to be seen. It almost seems as if these people are daring any potential thieves to take their stuff. To avoid this, there are a few basic tips that you should employ to avoid being in a situation where you have to leave your valuable electronics lying out in the open.

Get an Inconspicuous Carrying Case

If the carrying case you use for your various electronic devices doesn’t look like it’s stuffed full of laptops, hard drives, and cell phones then nobody will want to steal that bag. Get yourself an inconspicuous carrying case that looks as nondescript as possible to help avoid potential bag snatchers targeting your belongings.

After all, if someone sees you carrying a bag stuffed full of expensive electronic devices, they will snatch it as soon as they are able. On the other hand, if you just look like you’re carrying a cheap bar phone and work files, they will be less likely to attempt a robbery.

Don’t Leave Your Device in Plain Sight

There will be times when you have no other option than to leave your device sitting out. If that happens, then you should avoid leaving it out in plain sight. If you must leave your devices somewhere and cannot have them with you, hide them in an inconspicuous case or cover it with an object that people are disinclined to move or mess around with.

If you feel that you need additional tips or help with avoiding having your electronics stolen in public areas, contact us today

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How Do You Minimize Human Error in Cyber Security?

If you work in the healthcare industry, then the information you work with is some of the most valuable information to protect with cyber security.

Not only is private and health information a frequent target of cyber security threats, not keeping the information safe carries several costly penalties. Even as security programs and hackers’ workarounds continue to evolve, one consistent weakness is human error.

Here are two ways to minimize human inconsistency in your cyber security measures:

1. Make Training a Priority

A lot of security gaps are things people don’t think twice about. Whether it’s downloading a file, opening an email without double-checking the sender, or even letting a repair technician past the front desk if they give a good reason for being there, human errors are based in convenience and lack of knowledge.

Make sure your employees and coworkers know the security procedures for all circumstances, as well as a list of seemingly reasonable times to deviate from the procedures that could be a trap. Also be sure to give a reason for each protocol: even if they don’t remember the underlying concern, giving people any reason for an action makes them more likely to agree.

Some of the most common traps are encouraging a download to solve a problem or letting in an unauthorized guest because they say why they’re there.

2. Reduce Human Decision Making

Instead of leaving it up to individual employees to judge whether an attachment is safe, integrate malware protection with your email client.

Instead of letting your devices’ operating systems decide upgrade schedules and give prompts for patch installations, follow a set schedule that your network administrator controls. The less variability there is in your IT management, the more secure it will be.

To get even tighter security contact us today.

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