Constant vigilance is the price of continued safety.
This is as true today as it was a hundred years ago. Even in the digital age, we must continue to be ever vigilant. And this is even more required in the 21st century.
Today, businesses are almost completely reliant on digital systems for operation. All essential and business-critical information are stored on digital media, and most business transactions today take place by means of online channels.
Considering this, it becomes imperative for organizations to ensure the safety of their IT assets. Therefore, it is only natural that IT departments in most organizations make it a top priority to instil cyber security best practices across all levels of the organization.
However, steps to safeguard an organization’s digital infrastructure need not be monumental ones. Often, the smallest of steps can go a long way towards ensuring safety. To help your organization achieve digital security, here are five cyber security best practices that you can follow.
Guard Data at All Costs
Data is the currency of the digital age; and protecting data from compromise should be uppermost in the minds of all employees. This need not comprise of big steps; small practices such as not sharing sensitive information over insecure and unencrypted channels, not writing down passwords and even taking care not to use photographic devices in the office can go a long way towards making sure that your business critical data remains secure.
Beware of the Unknown
Phishing has become one of the biggest threats to cyber security today. Scammers can take advantage of users’ gullibility to dupe them into leaking private information.
Employees should be taught not to click on links in emails from unknown sources. Never enter personal or company information in suspicious pop-up or online forms. In case you have received an email from an unknown sender, remember to inform your IT department immediately.
Setup Strong Password Policies
Weak passwords are the bane of cyber security. Often users take the easy route and create passwords that are easy to remember. This can open the doors for a cybercriminal to take control of your company network.
A strong password policy should be set up across all levels of the company; also, employees should be instructed to periodically change passwords to ensure an extra level of safety. Other techniques of logging in such as two factor authentication and onetime-passwords can also be employed.
Use VPNs
As mentioned before, company data should never be transmitted over insecure channels. In case of remote employees, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) should be used to connect to the company network safely.
Be Updated
Finally, remember to keep all company software and operating systems updated with the latest patches to guard against security holes. This is essential to maintaining a safe digital ecosystem.
Conclusion
The above five tips, if followed diligently, can go a long way towards improving your organizational as well as personal cyber security practices.
