Data Security

At the top of the cybersecurity risk list is data security. It’s already a full time job keeping data secure, and IT support Sydney has its hands full keeping data secure with the increase in remote workers. Companies have to be extremely vigilant with the training of employees regarding data security and privacy. A knowledgeable workforce that understands the gravity of cybersecurity is less likely to make costly mistakes that put companies and their clients at risk.

Unsecure Wifi Networks

When employees leave the firewall safety of the physical company and hop on an unsecure wifi network like what many retailers and restaurants offer customers, unfortunate circumstances can easily follow. Using public wifi opens the door for more than just cyber threats. Things like not using a privacy screen protector allows others to see what is on the screen and leaving devices unattended are risky. Employees using home wireless networks that are not using a VPN may be unknowingly exposing sensitive data.

Using Personal Devices

Working from home can sometimes blur the lines between work and home. Many remote employees are guilty of switching between personal and work devices while completing tasks. It may not always be done intentionally. Accessing files from an android device is often convenient in a moment, but doing this can leave company credentials and other information unguarded and at risk of a cyber attack. Even devices that have heavy security measures like encryption and lock codes can fall into the wrong hands and cause a world of trouble.

Inside Threats

Most companies know that they have to keep an eye out for outside threats, but many companies are not prepared for a threat to come from inside. Inside threats can be difficult to detect because the malicious actor is familiar with the company protocol and ways to fly under the radar. With remote workers, inside threat actors have more opportunities to create cyber mischief. Sensitive or private data can easily be downloaded to a USB device or shared with someone outside of the company.

There is no shortage of cyber threats in the 21st century, and working from home has made it a little easier for hackers and threat actors to gain access to sensitive information. Now that you are aware of some of the more popular cybersecurity risks, you can take the necessary steps to safeguarding your company, its data and its affiliates. Create a strong endpoint detection and response solution, make use of a firewall, employ multi-factor authentication and incorporate VPNs into your remote workers’ infrastructure and enjoy the peace of mind they bring. 

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1. Use a secure web browser

There are many internet browsers out there today, some of which are more secure than others. With an increasing frequency of infected websites, anti-phishing protection, an anti-virus and a firewall are now widely recommended to make browsing the internet as secure as possible.

The most used browsers like Chrome, Mozilla, Internet Explorer or Opera can be optimized thanks to the many additional plugins that can be installed. However, not all plugins are properly tested and can cause vulnerabilities in your system.

2. Use a secure search engine

Sure, you’ve probably chosen the Google search bar as your browser’s home page, which is handy, but there are other options as well.

To secure your internet browsing, choosing a search engine like Qwant can also be a solution since it does not collect any data on users during their searches. No cookies or tracking devices are used. Qwant has made this principle its baseline: “Qwant, the search engine that respects your privacy”. A module can even be downloaded from the Chrome or Mozilla application stores to display a shortcut to the engine in your browser bar.

DuckDuckGo is also a search engine that “doesn’t spy on you”. It does not store any personal information, spy on, or stalk its users by relying on advertising.

3. Remember to delete cookies and the history of your visits to websites

Cookies are passwords on the websites you visit. Some cookies will only save your login but others will save much more information such as your IP address, email, personal details, etc. In some cases, for sites that you visit often, it is more prudent to delete them regularly in order to protect your personal information. Especially if you don’t want to be retargeted.

4. Do not save passwords in the browser

It is a simple trick to secure your internet browsing. Retyping passwords each time you log in is generally seen as a waste of time. However, it is still safer than saving them in your browser. As seen above, finding a user’s passwords on their own browser is relatively straightforward, as all you have to do is go to the browser’s “Settings”, then to “Passwords and Forms”.

5. Create complex passwords and renew them

According to cyber security, It is worth remembering that it is important to create complex passwords to access your personal services such as your email box, your customer areas, your bank accounts, etc. Never include personal information when creating your passwords and don’t hesitate to renew them every now and then.

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• Keep your passwords unique and strong and change them every once in a while so that you are safe from any data leak consequences. Setting a password is not enough anymore, you also need to have multi factor authentication on top of it. This will ensure that if anyone else tries to sign into your accounts or your websites then the request will have to go through your cell phone or your email.

• If you own an online business then you are automatically at high risk from cyber attackers that can hold your hard work at ransom or threaten to delete your data or use the information you collect to attack your customers. The risks are endless and quite dangerous. To make sure that your business stays private and safe, you should hire an ethical hacker with CEH training or its equivalent, to identify the possible security flaws with your business. It is a common myth that such services are only hired by large organizations. However, the fact is that it’s the small and medium-size businesses that are the most victimized by cyber attacks. Investing in cybersecurity and making it a priority of your business can help you cut losses in the long run and build a reputed image in the new privacy centered market.

• Cyber security professionals can only protect you so much. At the end of the day, your ultimate safety is in your hands. Whether you are an individual or a business owner, you need to educate yourself on the basic cyber security practices. Most cyber incidents are successful because people are ignorant and careless with how they use the Internet and digital technology. Social engineering is still one of the top ways that hackers use to perform cyber attacks of the highest potential. You will find plenty of information on the web about safe browsing, password hygiene and anti-social engineering methods. Make sure that you don’t just understand how important cyber security is but also end up implementing it in your daily life.

• Another main reason for cyber attacks and malware infestations is that everybody keeps downloading unsafe and unknown software on their devices. Any application that is on the Play Store or the App Store or even the Web store can be malicious for your device. Always trust the developers who have a good name and authentic reviews. As a rule, never ever install unfamiliar applications or software from the Internet or the online stores without checking their background first.

The bottom line is that on the Internet, everyone is a stranger. Keep your kindness and hospitality limited to social interactions as much as possible. Even as much as a link asking for feedback could be malicious or lead to a fake Instagram sign-up page and end up stealing your credentials. Never trust anyone on the Internet unless you personally know them or are assured of their authenticity.

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