Employees often do not think about cybersecurity until it is too late. Cybersecurity requires constant vigilance to remain intact, and companies are increasingly hiring cybersecurity experts who try their best to protect against viruses and hackers. However, employees should also take steps to protect themselves online by employing basic security protocols each day. Here are 5 everyday cybersecurity protocols that employees should follow:
1. Password Protect All Devices
Passwords should be used on all devices, including phones, laptops, and tablets. By using a password to unlock these devices, a criminal cannot simply access the device without the user’s permission. If a hacker is able to gain access to an unlocked device, they can steal personal information that could lead them to a person’s financial accounts or identities. To prevent this from happening, use passwords for any mobile or computer device that you own or frequently use.
2. Download Security Software
Download security software onto your home wireless router and all of your mobile devices so that it can protect them when they are connected online. A good antivirus software program will scan every file that comes into contact with your phone or laptop in search of a virus, and it will quarantine anything that could be detrimental to your machine. This software can also schedule regular scans for any personal information that you visit or download online.
3. Back Up Online Data
Back up all the important data on your devices such as accounts, documents, and contacts using cloud storage programs like Dropbox (for free) or iCloud (for Apple products). By doing this, you can rest assured knowing that if anything happens to your laptop or phone (including losing them or getting them stolen) all of your critical data will still be accessible online. Furthermore, backing up files is an easy way to free up storage space on your hard drive and make room for new files.
4. Use Two-Step Verification
Many online programs, such as Google and Yahoo! Mail, currently offer users the option to add two-step verification. This is a great way to protect your accounts from hackers because it requires an extra password from a secondary device after you have typed in the correct password on a specific site. For example, if you choose to use this type of security protocol with Gmail, whenever you attempt to login into your account from any location other than your usual one, you will be asked for a code that will appear on your phone. Even if someone were able to guess or acquire your password somehow, they would still not be able to access your email without the second step of the verification process.
5. Exercise Caution When Online
Avoid clicking on links from people you do not know and trust, be cautious about the information that you post online, and always have a firewall enabled when using a public WiFi. Additionally, try to clear your browser’s history as well as delete browsing cookies after each session. By protecting yourself against phishing scams, hackers who want to access your personal data, and random viruses from the Internet, you can better safeguard yourself from cybercriminals both in person and online.
In conclusion, employees should use various cybersecurity protocols every day to protect themselves from identity theft or other issues that could arise with their digital footprint. These protocols include passwords for all devices, downloading security software onto those devices, backing up important data with cloud storage programs like Dropbox or iCloud, adding two-step verification on online accounts, and being cautious when browsing websites or using public WiFi. Additionally, employees should consider consulting managed cybersecurity providers to manage their companies’ cybersecurity protocols.
