Download 8 Best Practices for Business Device Security
Download Free 8 Best Practices for Business Device Security
Why is cyber security getting more and more attention?
According to the International Monetary Fund, cyber attacks have been on the rise, and the risk of losses from cyber incidents for businesses has more than quadrupled since 2017.
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Because of that, whether you’re running a small startup or managing a large corporation, keeping your business devices secure is essential.
Fortunately, by following some simple safety practices, you can significantly reduce these risks. Here are eight important tips to ensure your business devices stay secure.
- Keep your software up to date
Regularly updating your software is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your devices. Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Make sure your operating systems, applications and anti-virus programs are always up-to-date. Many updates are automatic, but it’s a good habit to manually check for updates every now and then to make sure you don’t miss any critical updates.
- Use strong, unique passwords
Password security is essential. Avoid using simple or common passwords that can be easily guessed. Instead, create strong, unique passwords for each device and account. A strong password usually includes a mix of letters, numbers and special characters. Consider using a password manager to keep track of all your passwords securely. This tool generates strong passwords and remembers them for you, reducing the risk of using the same password on multiple sites.
- Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring another form of identification beyond just a password. This can be a code sent to your phone or a authentication app. Even if a hacker manages to obtain your password, they will still need the second factor to gain access. Most major online services and business platforms support 2FA, so be sure to enable it where possible.
- Encrypt sensitive data
Encryption is a process that transforms your data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. If your device is lost or stolen, encryption helps ensure that the data on it remains secure.
But given the amount of business data we exchange online, it’s often not enough to secure just the data stored on your phone. So if you want to protect your online data and traffic, you should consider using a tool like VPN for Chrome which encrypts your internet connection, protects your data from potential eavesdroppers and ensures that your online activities are private.
- Back up your data regularly
Data loss can occur for a variety of reasons, from hardware failure to cyber attacks.
Regular backups ensure that you can recover your information if something goes wrong. Back up your data to a secure cloud service or an external hard drive. Make sure these backups are encrypted and stored safely. Test your backups regularly to ensure that they are working properly and that you can restore your data if needed.
- Implement device management policies
If you’re leading a team, it’s important to have clear guidelines for device management.
Define rules for the use of corporate devices, including security measures such as password protection and software updates. Make sure all employees understand these policies and the importance of following them. Consider using mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor and manage corporate devices, which can help enforce security policies and remotely wipe data if a device is lost or stolen.
- Secure your network
Securing your network is important to protecting your devices and data. Use strong passwords for your Wi-Fi network and make sure it’s encrypted with WPA3, the latest and most secure encryption standard. Update your router’s firmware regularly and consider setting up a separate network for guest access. Implementing a firewall can also provide an additional layer of protection by blocking unauthorized access to your network.
Last but not least…
- Train your team
A well-informed team is your first line of defense against security threats.
Regularly train your employees on security best practices, such as recognizing phishing emails and avoiding suspicious links. Conduct training sessions to keep everyone updated on the latest threats and how to deal with them. Encouraging a security-conscious culture in your organization helps prevent accidental breaches caused by human error.
Keeping your devices secure doesn’t have to be complicated
By following these simple steps, you can significantly improve your device’s security and protect your business from potential threats.
Remember that security is not a one-time task, but an ongoing process. Stay alert, stay on top of the latest security trends, and ensure your practices evolve with the ever-changing digital trends. By doing so, you will create a safer environment for your business and give yourself peace of mind.