Download 5 Ways to Safeguard Business Computers and Corporate Networks

Cybercrime is a global epidemic that happens to be top cyber threat affecting Canadians from sea to sea and all walks of life. Whether people access the internet from home, on the subway or at work, malicious agents are working overtime to wreak havoc on unsuspecting victims.

Although IT professionals in Canada know more than the average person about these threats, that does not mean they are immune to the virtual traps set by organized crime. But it’s one thing for personal computers to be targeted by cybercriminals, and another for business laptops to become the focus of organized crime.

That’s why your company needs to make sure employees know how to protect their work computers so they don’t become the weak link in your company’s IT strategy.

Here are five ways to protect employee laptops so your company network isn’t compromised.

1. Training for the entire company

A piecemeal approach won’t work for enterprise computers. While IT professionals should know the ins and outs of staying safe online, some make mistakes that can compromise their employers. Your IT department must train employees and provide periodic refreshers.

Remind workers about the importance of passwords that are difficult to guess – no, “123456” does not count as an appropriate password. But it actually is most used passwords. And weak passwords are the reason why three out of 10 internet users have experienced security breaches.

It is easy to say that IT workers know better. But knowing better is not the same as doing better – and some will use simple passwords or stick to the same password across different accounts. You must insist that workers choose secure passwords and change passwords on a regular basis, such as quarterly. It will help protect computers and devices that connect to corporate networks.

It’s also important to create and roll out the right etiquette for using the internet on work computers – and detail penalties for breaking your company’s cyber security rules.

2. Establish firewall security

Your IT department must also roll out a firewall security policy to protect employee laptops when they are connected to the Internet or the corporate network. It will prevent efforts by non-employees to obtain information they are not entitled to. Your company should have a policy to equip computers with appropriate firewalls and ensure they are updated at appropriate intervals. If some employees work remotely, it’s equally important that their home setups are protected.

3. Use antivirus software

Antivirus software is also important. With a robust solution that is regularly updated, antivirus software will identify, block and eradicate viruses, ransomware and malware from computers and corporate networks. It will also help protect employees from phishing and identity theft. Make sure the software updates automatically so nothing falls through the cracks.

Your company may also wish to mandate which operating systems and browsers workers can use.

4. Limit access to those who need it

Ensuring that workers only have access to the information or systems they need to perform their jobs is another way to protect the integrity of work computers and the corporate network. Your IT team may also want to adopt a permission-based policy for installing or removing software.

5. Implement physical access policies

Another way to protect corporate computers is to have physical access policies. On the one hand, your business can restrict access to the building. You can do this by requiring workers to use access cards so you know who enters and leaves your workplace and what time of day they do so. On the other hand, you can require workers to ensure that their laptops are safely stored or locked when not in use. Doing both of these things will help protect your company’s computers.

Cyber ​​security is an issue all Canadians need to be wary of. A cyber attack can scare customers, cost an arm and a leg to remedy, and cause reputational damage. If your business needs new machines, check out the many HP business laptops available. You can save by taking advantage of laptops for sale in Canada. You can take advantage of the latest features for better efficiency and productivity at work.

This post was last updated: 6 May 2024