This document outlines 5 ways for individuals and organizations to stay cybersecure while working remotely. It recommends enabling multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security beyond passwords. It also suggests creating strong, unique passwords and using a password manager. Additionally, it advises updating software, apps, and operating systems regularly as updates include important security fixes. Researching apps before downloading them and taking steps to protect company information are also outlined as effective cybersecurity measures.
2. 56%
of IT leaders believe their
employees have picked up
bad cybersecurity
behaviors since working
from home.
Digital transformation has created a world where
the workforce is accessing data, applications,
and systems from all over the globe using
multiple types of devices. This requires both
users and their organizations to do their part.
Cybersecurity is not a one-person operation, it is
a team sport. Not doing anything at all is the
worst thing you can do. Even if you do not have
the policies, you can get started on training.
In the next few pages, we will explore
6 Ways to Stay #CyberSecure .
Digital Transformation
Tessian
3. 1. Enable
Multi-Factor
Authentification
MFA adds a second check to verify your
identity and further protects your account
from compromise - even if your password
is stolen. Requiring multiple methods of
authentication creates an extra hurdle for
cyber criminals and makes it more
difficult for password cracking tools to
enable attackers to break into accounts.
Whenever possible, MFA should be used
to protect access to all critical systems
and applications, including VPNs.
99.9%
Microsoft Enterprise
accounts that get invaded
by attackers didn’t use
multi-factor authentication.
ZDNet
4. 2. Create Better
Passwords
This may seem obvious and
something that you’ve seen time
and time again, but all too often
securing a strong password is
overlooked. Ensure you’re using
long, complex, and unique
passwords to help prevent your
account from being hacked. An
easy way of keeping track and
remembering your passwords is by
using a password manager.
66%
of Americans use the
same password
across multiple
online accounts.
Google
5. 3. Don't Wait,
Update!
When you get that pesky popup on
your device that says it’s time to
update the software, it may be
tempting to simply click postpone and
ignore it. However, there’s a reason
why these updates happen. Having
the latest security software, web
browser, and operating system on
devices is one of the best defenses
against online threats.
4. Research Before
Downloading
Doing research before
downloading anything new to
your device, such as apps, is
imperative to staying safe online.
Check who created the app,
what the user reviews say, and if
there are any articles published
online about the app’s privacy
and security features.
6. 5. Take Care of
Company Information
Put in place a system that makes electronic
copies of vital business information on a regular
basis. At home, make regular backups of all
your important docs, files and photos. Double
check your privacy and security settings, and
know who can access your documents and
information (Google docs, Zoom calls, etc).
71%
of employees are accessing
more company data, more
frequently, from home than
they did pre-pandemic
HP Wolf Security
7. Organizations that have employees who are committed to
maintaining online hygiene are better able to protect
themselves and others from cyber attacks. Staying safe
online requires ongoing oversight at each touchpoint - from
buying and setting up new devices, to ensuring day-to-day
activities are not putting anyone at risk.
#BeCyberSmart