October is marked globally by various countries and organisations as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The overarching theme for 2022 is “See Yourself In Cyber.”
At iSite Computers, we’ve dedicated this month to publishing a four-part series aimed at creating awareness on fundamental cybersecurity practices for small to medium-sized businesses in South Africa.
Share this article series with your employees to stress the critical basics of IT security in order to keep protected from dangers like ransomware and hackers.
This is Part 3 of 4.
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COVID-19 lockdowns forced millions of South Africans, and billions globally, to embrace working from home; a concept they had limited or no experience with at the time.
And while many employees have returned to the office, a recent University of Chicago study found that 72% of those workers surveyed in America would like to continue working from home for at least two days a week, and 32% said they would like to work from home permanently.
Thus, having your household safe and secure from cyber threats needs to be a top priority.
In this increasingly wireless world, the steps households should take for cybersecurity have changed. Most homes now run networks of devices linked to the internet, such as security systems, computers, smart appliances, toys, printers, tablets, and smartphones. Thus, having the right safeguards will instill confidence that your family can use the internet safely and securely for personal and work activity.
Below are three steps that your household can take to better protect against cyber-attacks:
Secure Your Wireless Router
A Wi-Fi router is a convenient way to allow multiple devices to connect to the internet from different areas of your home. However, unless your router is secure, you risk the possibility of criminals accessing information on your devices, or worse, using your network to commit cybercrimes.
Some simple ways to secure it include changing the name of your router. The default ID is typically assigned by the manufacturer, so changing your router to a unique name that won’t be easily guessed by others is a simple way to keep your router protected.
Another important step is changing the default password on your router. Leaving the default password in place makes it significantly easier for hackers to access your network. According to NCA’s 2021 Oh Behave! Report, only 43% of participants reported creating long and unique passwords “very often” or “always”. Additionally, 28% stated that they didn’t do this at all. Using unique and strong passwords is a huge and simple step to securing your home from all types of cyber threats.
Related:
Millions of Wi-Fi Routers Vulnerable to Hacker Attack — What You Need To Do
Install Firewalls and Security Software
Firewalls are essential because they help keep hackers from using your device which otherwise could result in your personal information being sent out without your permission. They guard and watch for attempts to access your system while blocking communications from dubious sources.
Ensure all devices that are connected to the wireless network have security software installed and updated where possible. Many of these gadgets have automatic update features, so households should make sure the setting is enabled.
Back Up Household Data
While steps can be taken to avoid your network, devices and accounts being hacked or compromised, they can never be 100% effective. With that being said, households need to embrace backing up data, especially as it relates to important information.
Users can protect their valuable work, documents, photos and other digital information by making electronic copies of important files and storing them safely. This can be done using cloud storage (like Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Mega, etc.) in addition to physical devices like USBs and external hard drives. In short, storing data in an alternative location that is safe and secure provides another layer of protection.
Related:
Avoid These 6 Critical Data Backup Mistakes
Book A Free #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth Consultation for Your Business
Need to ensure your employees are not posing a threat to your business data whilst they work from home?
iSite Computers is here to help.
We are a Managed IT Services Provider. Our expert-led cybersecurity team helps small to medium-sized businesses in South Africa proactively prevent, monitor, and mitigate cybersecurity threats for both your remote and in-office employees.
Book a free 30/60-minute consultation and we’ll assess your current cybersecurity posture with no further obligation. Call us directly on 031 812 9650 or email rd@isite.co.za.
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