For many of us it seems as though we are facing insurmountable challenges at the minute. One of these challenges, working from home, can leave you even more exposed and susceptible to cyber attacks. We take a look at some good practices, some of which cost nothing, only time. When it comes to cyber security it pays to be cautious.
Educate Your Employees
People are often the weakest link when it comes to cyber security so make sure staff are properly trained. Setting the tone from the top and leading by example is particularly important. This will help to create a culture in which everyone within the company is being vigilant. Phishing attacks remain the most common form of cyber attack, and we can provide a basic overview document for your education and use with teams where appropriate.
Restrict Admin Access
It is important to restrict staff and admin rights to the minimum required. The more people who have permissions the greater the risk. If you are not able to do this then at least follow the next step.
Enforce a Strong Password Policy
Using the same password on multiple sites is incredibly risky. If your password is breached on one site and you re-use that password then a hacker may be able gain access to multiple accounts.
Visit https://haveibeenpwned.com/ enter your email address and see what breaches you may have been a part of. Make sure to change these passwords as a priority.
If you want to take your cyber security to the next level (and you should) then use Two Factor Authentication. This essentially means that you need your password and your mobile device to log-in.
There are tools online that can help you manage your passwords securely. LastPass offers a free version to individuals which is worth considering.
Keep Software Updated
This can sometimes be overlooked. Software updates will often include a number of security fixes. The older the software the longer cyber criminals have spent trying to break in and the more likely they are to have found a way in. This is particularly true for the WannaCry ransomware attack which impacted many organisations including the NHS.
For businesses with cyber insurance, we’re happy to run through the terms of your policy with you to ensure you understand what you’re covered for. For those not covered, if you want to discuss adding cyber cover to your existing business policy, we can help with that too. Call us on 01527 874092 to discuss your needs with us.
