Technology has allowed us to access our information and data from just about anywhere with WiFi. As luxurious as answering a work call while on a beach vacation or accessing personal files from the comfort of your home is, these perks come with a few risks. As we continue to implement technology into our lives and rely on it to store information, we’re also opening ourselves up to the dangers of cyber attackers. Unfortunately, cyber threats are only increasing, which is why cybersecurity continues to be more critical than ever and should be a high priority for every organization and its employees.
Failing to prioritize cybersecurity can cost you thousands of dollars and an increased risk of private data being stolen or leaked. Your information is valuable, and it deserves to be adequately protected.
In honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’ve gathered key tips from five experts at Exact IT to help keep your tech secure and safeguarded from possible threats lurking around the virtual world.
Create A Complex Password
Starting easy – create a strong and complex password. If you’re still using combinations like “1234” or a single word like “password,” it’s time to change those. Keep in mind a password should be:
- 12-14 characters long
- Include numbers and symbols
- A combination of uppercase and lowercase letters
- Unique to you while avoiding any personal information
Exact IT expert Daniel Enriquez recommends the
“Easiest thing to do is make a really hard password. The more complex the password, the harder it is to hack.”
We get it can be hard to remember different combinations and variant passwords, especially when you’ve got more important things on your mind. Consider using a trusted password manager with multiple types of encryption to ensure your passwords stay protected.
Passphrases Over Passwords
Strengthen your password even more by using a passphrase. These are harder to crack and are longer than a single word, making them more secure. Think of a phrase important to you and mix in some uppercase letters and symbols, creating a strong password to keep hackers at bay.
“Use passphrases over passwords. For example, Jack&JillWentUptheHil1”
says Exact IT expert Greg Montgomery.
The more barriers in place to access your sensitive data, the more secure it will be against potential threats. A strong password is essential to keep hackers out, but there are still more precautions you can take. Two-factor authentication (2FA) acts as an extra checkpoint needed before you can log into your accounts. It can take many forms, such as a text message or push notification. Exact IT can help your organization set up 2FA, implementing the right method for your employees.
Avoid Suspicious Links
If it looks suspicious, don’t click it. These links can be filled with viruses or ransomware that can take over your entire network, hijacking your data or losing it altogether.
One of our experts, Jay Ratliff, advises,
“If you think a link is weird or have the slightest doubt about an email or anything sent to you. Don’t click it.”
Exact IT offers email phishing training and analysis tools to protect your company from phony links. We teach employees the dangers and warning signs of what a phishing email might entail.
Sharpen Your Cybersecurity Skills
As cyberattacks evolve, we should, too. Training your entire team is imperative to securing your data and minimizing threats. With technology at your fingertips, there is no reason not to educate your company on staying secure.
Our IT expert Addey Al-Shboul suggests,
“Consider enrolling in some form of cybersecurity training online module. Exact IT provides these.”
Exact IT provides several cybersecurity training courses. Consider our customized ransomware training course that fits the needs of your staff to have a vital understanding of the risks and dangers of ransomware.
Deploy A Trusted VPN
A VPN allows you to access information securely across networks, keeping it private from hackers. VPNs encrypt the data sent to and from a device via the network. It’s particularly useful with mobile employees working from elsewhere, such as their homes, or while using public WiFi networks. However, you should be wary of the VPN you choose. Do your research and find a VPN that matches your needs.
“Using a trusted* VPN is an easy way to ensure your data is kept private, especially when using public wifi,”
says expert Nate O’Donnell.
Learn More Cybersecurity Tips with Exact IT
Keep your technology secure with Exact IT. With our comprehensive understanding of building successful IT infrastructure, we tailor our services to provide your business with the proper arsenal to combat cyber threats.
