7 Managed Security Practices to Use in Your Employee Training
Most data breaches are caused by hackers who want to cause serious harm to your employees. To prevent these incidents from happening, you need to train your employees and set proper procedures. Whether your employees are using computers or mobile devices, the following Managed Security tips are applicable in most situations.
Authentication
Your employees should use encrypted passwords and never share these passwords with anyone else. In the event that their computer, laptop, smartphone, or another mobile device gets stolen, the thief can’t access this personal data. The best way to prevent this from happening is to use password manager software which allows your employees to use only one complex password. The same password can be used for the employee’s other devices.
When it comes to sending e-mails and sharing files, your employees should use two-factor authentication, which is available from cloud-based services. They offer a higher level of security even if a hacker gets a hold of the passwords. Two-factor authentication works with via text message or USB keys. Without this technique, access to the account is limited.
Network Connection
Wireless internet connections have been proven to be unsafe. Your employees should avoid using public Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology as much as possible. Hackers often set up networks in public places with the intent to gain access to users’ internet traffic and personal information. They can get a hold of your passwords and other sensitive data. Your employees should be careful which network they connect to.
Connect to the internet through a mobile telecom provider. While this is the most secure wireless connection, it’s also the most expensive. Using a fixed line or a hardwired internet connection is the best and more secure solution. This makes communication possible at a relatively low cost. Use a VPN service along with your internet connection to encrypt all of your data and keep it safe.
Access to Devices
Your employees should never give others access to their devices. It’s fine for them to allow their spouses or children to use their devices for playing games or shopping online. In most cases, they should use a separate device or account to allow others to access these devices.
Giving someone access to a device can pose a security risk. This person doesn’t have to use it maliciously. They could delete files by accident, or run a program that has malware on it.
Physical Security Measures
Mobile devices are often targets of cyber attacks. Thieves are aware that these devices contain personal information. Never let your employees leave their devices in their car or unattended in public spaces such as airports, conferences, restaurants, restrooms, public transportation centers, etc. Their devices should be on them the entire time or stored in a room or office that’s locked when they’re not present.
Data Encryption
Even if your employees are cautious, laptops, tablets, and smartphones can still get stolen. Ask them to protect all of their personal information with encryption software. This is not possible with smartphones but data encryption is available on most computers and laptops. Ask your employees to turn this feature on in their operating systems.
Since most of the data is updated to the cloud, encrypting the data is important. Most cloud-based services claim they automatically encrypt the data. It’s often better to encrypt the data before it’s transferred to the cloud. You never know if you should trust the cloud-based software.
Backup
If the data gets lost, backup is usually the last resort. In most cases, backup has prevented days, weeks, or months information from getting erased. Make sure your employees have a backup system or cloud-based system, and that the backup system is updated regularly. Keep in mind that using a backup system means that the data is accessible on the computer (and other devices) and on the cloud. The data that’s stored on the cloud doesn’t mean it’s a real backup.
Software Installation
Provide a list of allowed software that your employees can use. Allow the installation of that software onto the devices that are used for work purposes only. Avoid free utility software or programs since it’s typically used by hackers who install viruses on your employees’ computers and devices with the intent of extracting sensitive information.
Keep in mind that approved software may allow malware to be installed on the devices. It’s important to install the security updates and patches as soon as they’re released. Ask your employees to schedule the updates to be installed automatically.
According to a study, 59 percent of data breaches happen because hackers want to ruin your company’s reputation. No matter how much you train your employees about data and internet security, it’s important that they practice these methods on their own. Sometimes buying the latest technology won’t solve these problems. You have to teach your employees on how to use the technology correctly and why they need it in the first place.
