A Layman’s Guide to Cybersecurity

Ensuring cybersecurity is important for individuals both in their professional and personal lives. Hence, I've compiled a set of cybersecurity practices that you should advocate for your team, especially when they're working remotely or during their personal time.

Share these guidelines with your team and encourage them to impart these lessons to their acquaintances. The broader the adoption of a perpetual cybersecurity mindset, the more robust our collective defense becomes.

Essential Cybersecurity Tips and Habits for Everyone

Treat Passwords Seriously

Undeniably, passwords play a central role in computer security. It's crucial to use new, complex passwords, avoiding easily guessable terms or personal information. Consider investing in a dedicated password manager for comprehensive password protection, steering clear of browser-integrated options.

Embrace Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

As numerous accounts now offer MFA, consider implementing this added layer of security. MFA enhances password security by requiring an additional verification step, making it significantly more challenging for cybercriminals to compromise your accounts.

Be Mindful of Network Connections

While data plans may be costly, the potential consequences of a data breach far outweigh the expenses. Public Wi-Fi, often found in public spaces, poses a significant risk. Cybercriminals may set up fake networks or intercept data on these networks. It's advisable to avoid such networks whenever possible.

Exercise Caution Before Clicking

Cyberthreats can lurk in seemingly harmless places, such as phishing emails containing deceptive links. Always be wary of unexpected or unknown links, report spam or junk emails, and limit public sharing to minimize the data available for phishing attempts.

These guidelines serve as a foundational approach to cybersecurity, but there's more to consider. This is especially true for businesses, which are prime targets for cybercriminals seeking valuable data.

Businesses Bear Additional Responsibilities to Clients and Employees

While cybersecurity is crucial for all, businesses cannot afford to neglect it. Washington Works is ready to assist. Contact us at 301-571-5040 for support with your business' IT, including strengthening its security measures.