Simple Ways to Protect and Defend Against Viruses, Hackers, and Other Avoidable IT Problems

With businesses progressing towards offering moreprocedures
services and sales online to meet consumer demands,The Top 10 Ways Employees Can Help Safeguard
protecting company assets and customer informationAgainst Security Breaches
is becoming increasingly important to all companies - no
matter how small or large. As a senior leader within1. New viruses are launched daily! Always accept
your organization, there are some simple, proactivepatch updates that are launched by your anti-virus
steps you can take to safeguard your companysoftware provider to ensure that your computer is
against network security breaches.up-to-date to protect against the latest hazards.
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is to2. Think carefully before opening attachments,
have sound passwords! Work with your IT consultantresponding to emails, and surfing the web on corporate
to enforce network passwords so that they have theequipment. This applies to instant messengers as well
following safety features:o Minimum of 8 charactersoas email.
High complexity (alpha, numeric, upper/lower case)o3. Avoid downloading shareware and toolbars that
Set up frequent password resets (at least every 45may be incompatible with authorized programs. Free
days recommended)o Do not re-use the last 13downloads have been known to be laced with trojans
passwordsand spyware!
Encourage staff to avoid these common pitfalls when4. Be aware of social engineering. Many times these
creating new passwords:o Make sure it is not alook like legitimate emails or web sites that trick users
phrase that is easily guessedo Do not make your newinto giving up sensitive information such as passwords,
password too similar to the previous version (e.g.account numbers, and internal business information.
Password1 changes to Password2)o Avoid using5. When using sites that ask for personal information,
names, places, events, etc. that are easily associatedmake sure that the site is encrypted. Many times this is
with you (e.g. your child's name, your wedding date)oindicated as "
Do not make your password the same as your User6. Don't send highly confidential information unless it is
IDo Do not write down passwords and leave themencrypted or transmitted via a secure FTP site and
around your desk or store them in Outlooko Do notavoid sending out forwarded messages and chain mail.
share passwords with others7. If you are sending login information, don't send User
There are key elements that your network shouldID and password in the same email.
have:o Block or limit administrative rights on computers8. Be aware of your surroundings. Identity thefts and
to ensure employees do not download spywareother criminals are skilled at observing victim's
programs. Many times, these programs seemcomputer activities and stealing confidential information,
harmless, but once installed; they end up inundating aespecially passwords.
machine with ads and can take a great deal of effort9. Do not save sensitive information on portable
to remove.o Make sure that you have reliable pop-updevices such as CDs and flash drives. They can easily
and spyware blocking software installed on allfall into the wrong hands.
computers to protect from harmful downloads.o10. Viruses can spread like wildfire and quick detection
Create a list of authorized programs to share with theis essential. Report all security incidents and threats to
company.o Consider offering privacy screens foryour IT provider immediately! Simple awareness paired
employees who travel and use their computers inwith sound network protection is a surefire way to
public places. This will help obscure the computerhelp keep your company out of harm's way. For a
monitor and guard against 'over the shoulder' datafree network assessment, contact East Coast
capture.o Speak to your team about the steps belowNetwork Services at 1-888-356-7822 or email us at
and incorporate them into your standard operatinginfo at ecnetserv dot com.