The 7 Habits of Highly Effective PC Users

Security is one of the most crucial pain points of all businesses, but sometimes it can be tricky to implement solutions if you’re not sure what you specifically need. Network security isn’t easy, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be hard. If you have difficulty reinforcing a security state of mind in your office, we have good news for you; by keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to keep your business more secure than it would be otherwise.

Use Strong Passwords
Weak passwords are a huge problem for all businesses. Since strong passwords are tough to remember, users will often use short passwords that are easy to remember when it comes time to change them. Strong passwords should always be used when possible, and should include both upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special symbols.

Use a Password Manager
With a password manager, there is no longer any excuse to not use a secure, complex password. The main reason to not use a complex password is because they are tricky to remember, but a password manager eliminates this problem by securely storing them in a digital space where they are called upon as needed.

Use Two-Factor Authentication
Passwords are far from the most secure method of protecting accounts, but two-factor authentication makes it easier. Two-factor authentication adds a secondary credential that must be entered in order to access an account. These credentials can be delivered to the user by a secondary email, a personal device, or otherwise, depending on your organization’s specific needs. If a hacker sees that they need not one, but two, methods of authentication to access your account, they will be less likely to pursue the possibility.

Avoid Unnecessary Online Payments
Today’s online shopping experience generally involves using your credit card credentials through a secure interface provided by the retailer. However, you only want to plug these credentials into a secured website--one that uses encryption--so as to avoid them being stolen by onlookers. You always want to check the encryption protocol used by a site that is asking for specific information, including your credit card number or personally identifiable information.

Avoid Links and Attachments from Unsolicited Messages
Spam messages will often come filled to the brim with dangerous links to malicious actors, such as malware or malicious websites. Furthermore, they might contain attachments that are also infected that, once downloaded, could become an even bigger problem for your organization. Ransomware, among other threats, is spread primarily through spam, so make sure you are protected with a spam prevention solution.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Hackers will often take advantage of public Wi-Fi connections specifically because they know people flock to them--especially those at coffee shops or other public areas where business owners gather. Public Wi-Fi connections are often unsecured, which allows hackers all sorts of liberties that they wouldn’t get with a secured, private Wi-Fi network.

Upgrade Your Operating Systems
Older operating systems generally have more security flaws in them. In the case of unsupported operating systems, they don’t receive patches or security updates at all, so it’s crucial that you move on from them as soon as possible. Furthermore, critical security flaws are often resolved in routine patches and security updates, so if you haven’t installed them for your current supported OS, you should do so at your earliest convenience.

If you want your business’s network security to thrive, reach out to Washington Works. Our trusted professionals can help you implement a solid security solution that takes a comprehensive approach to cyber threats. To learn more about how we can help your business, reach out to us at 301-571-5040.