October is Cyber Security Awareness month, an internationally recognized campaign held each October to inform the public of the importance of cyber security. We’ve listed 5 best practices to help keep your business safe.

1. STAY UP-TO-DATE

By subscribing to a Managed Services plan you can ensure that when a security update to your operating system or software becomes available, it’s installed without a delay. These updates can address vulnerabilities to emerging threats, and staying updated is your best defence.

2. SECURE YOUR WIRELESS NETWORKS

Open WiFi is an invitation for anyone to connect to your network and possibly compromise it. Secure your wireless networks with strong passwords. Avoid having them written down in plain sight. If you have a “guest” network for visiting colleagues and customers, consider a regular password change since their devices may save login data indefinitely.

3. LAYER YOUR SECURITY

Security should be more than Anti-Virus. Utilize a fully managed layered security system which includes a combination of hardware, software, firewalls, anti-virus, and content filtering.

4. SECURE ACCESS TO YOUR HARDWARE

Ensure your office space is safe from unauthorized visitors, and that easy-to-grab laptops and mobile devices are stored securely and installed with remote tracking software. As well, encrypting portable devices such as laptops, USB keys, and DVDs is easy to do, and can significantly reduce the damage done by a lost or stolen device.

5. EDUCATE YOUR EMPLOYEES

Even the most sophisticated security software won’t protect your business if employees click on improper pop-ups or fall for phishing scams. Train your employees on the threats they face and the safest way to use the company’s internet and email.