Here are some IT security recommendations for employees in a small business:
- Use strong passwords, and change them regularly. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password.
- Be careful about what emails you open and what attachments you download. Phishing emails are a common way for attackers to gain access to your devices. If you’re not sure whether an email is legitimate, don’t open it or download any attachments.
- Be careful about the information you share online. Avoid sharing sensitive information on social media or other public websites.
Keep your software up-to-date. Software vendors regularly release updates to fix security vulnerabilities. Make sure you install these updates as soon as they are available. - Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. A VPN encrypts your traffic, making it more difficult for attackers to intercept your data.
Be aware of the latest social engineering scams. Social engineering scams are designed to trick people into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. - Report any suspicious activity to your IT person immediately.
- By following these recommendations, employees can help protect their small businesses from cyberattacks.
Some additional tips for employees:
- Use a password manager. A password manager can help you to create and manage strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts.
- Be careful about what information you store on your devices. Avoid storing sensitive information on your work devices, such as your laptop or phone.
- Be careful about what apps you install on your devices. Only install apps from trusted sources.
- Back up your data regularly. This will help you recover from a cyberattack or other data loss event.
- By following these tips, employees can help to protect their own devices and data, as well as the data of their small businesses.