Tip 1: Secure Passwords
Why are secure passwords so important? Strong and secure passwords help to protect your data. One of the most common ways that hackers break into computers is by cracking or guessing passwords. Easy and frequently used passwords allow hackers to easily obtain access to devices.
How to create a secure password? Follow these best practices to create secure passwords and keep your data safe:
- Use strong passwords
- Make the password at least 8 characters long
- Consider using passphrases, for example, “Stratiis one partner many benefits” and use the initial of each word like this: “s1pMb” using a mix of numbers, capital letters, and symbols
- Don’t use dictionary words. If they’re in the dictionary it can be easier to guess!
- Change your passwords every 60 to 90 days
- Keep it under wraps. Time to ditch the post-it notes on your monitor and keep it documented somewhere safe
- Consider using a password manager. We have so many passwords to remember these days! Fortunately, there are programmes and web services out there that allow you to create a strong password for each of your accounts, but you only have to remember one password to access the site. Yes! we hear you cry 😉
- Think about using multi-factor authentication. Most services now offer multi-factor authentication (such as Facebook), where a code will be sent to your phone that allows you to access your account. Which mean that a hacker can’t access your account without having access to your phone
Tip 2: Employee Security Training
It is estimated that approximately 95% of data breaches are caused by human error. More and more employees are now connected to the internet and rely on IT to do their jobs. While this fantastic development provides employees with so much information at their fingertips and the ability to work flexibly, unfortunately, it has also provided cybercriminals with opportunities to exploit and target those who have a limited understanding of the dangers.
Educating your team about the hacking, stolen mobile devices, posting sensitive information on social media etc is invaluable. A good employee security training programme will continually remind employees about the dangers of data breaches, updates on the latest scams and how to avoid becoming a victim.
Tip 3: Data Backup & Disaster Recovery
Backing your data up will protect your business from data loss due to an unexpected event, such as damaged servers or ransomware. We recommend that automated backups occur that securely copy data offsite and data backups should be periodically tested to ensure that data is able to be recovered.
Tip 4: Encrypt Your Data
So much information is stored on mobile devices, with sensitive information in spreadsheets, documents, PDF files, and scanned images. The best way to protect sensitive information is to use encryption.
What is encryption? Encryption is the process of encoding information to prevent unauthorised parties from accessing it. There are different types of encryption:
- Mobile device encryption: laptops, smartphones and USB drives can be encrypted
- Email encryption: secure email will protect the data that is sent
- Workstation encryption: desktops and workstations can be encrypted to protect any data stored on them. It is very important in the event of a break-in or theft of workstations
Tip 5: Perform a Security Risk Assessment
Performing a security risk assessment is a vital part of securing your data. So, how does a security risk assessment work? A security risk assessment will help you to understand the risks by inventorying customer, employee, vendor and sensitive data. It will identify how you are currently protecting the data and make recommendations on how to lower the risk. And, understanding the risk will enable you to implement the safeguards needed to protect your business.
If you would like to find out about our no-obligation FREE risk assessment just fill out this form or email sales@stratiis.com and a member of the team will be in touch.
