Cybersecurity is no joke. It’s becoming more and more serious with each passing day as work goes online, and no business is immune to this threat.
It’s easy to think that you have no reason to worry when you’re running a small business, but hackers are ruthless. Protect yourself, your business, and your employees by keeping your workstations safe. Here’s how.
Examples of Harmful Usage
Even the most seemingly innocuous workstation usage can put your business at risk. Here are some ways you and your team can inadvertently endanger your workstation:
- Personal Use: If anyone from your team uses a workstation for personal use, like online shopping or browsing social media, they can make your business information more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
- Public Wi-Fi: Using public Wi-Fi may seem safe, but these are often insecure networks that open your information up to even the most inexperienced hackers.
- Unsafe Web Browsing: This may seem obvious, but it’s dangerous, so it’s always worth a mention. Only visit trusted websites, and immediately exit if you click on one that isn’t secure.
There are many other ways hackers can attack your workstation, so remaining vigilant and using digital common sense should be one of your top priorities.
Ways to Protect Your Workstation
It’s not enough to just be aware of the ways cybercriminals are infiltrating workstations. You must also take action in protecting your workstation from threats.
1. Implement Security
Implement antivirus or firewall systems into your workstations. This is a great way to keep your information secure and protect your business from harm. Many of the systems will alert you when something is wrong and will notify you when your software is out of date or at risk.
While these systems are not foolproof, they do provide an added level of protection. Think of them as fences around your yard. A few things may still be able to get in, but most are going to stay out.
2. Provide Training
Make sure everybody at your business is privy to your company policy on personal use. Provide initial training for new hires to explain what workstation use is acceptable and what is not, and be sure to explain your reasoning, as well. Employees will be much more receptive when given a legitimate and sound reason for the policy.
Keep all employees, new and veteran, up-to-date on your security systems. If something new is coming out, make sure that they are aware so everyone can fully reap the benefits of any protection system without experiencing any disruption in their work.
3. Follow Up
Regularly check in with your employees and on the software systems they use. Make sure you are just as up-to-date on your software as your employees are, and make sure you are checking in on your employees, as well.
It’s not enough to implement systems and train once. To truly keep your workstation safe, you must manage usage and conduct training regularly.
The Bottom Line
Even when following all safety protocols, the savviest hackers can still harm your system. Keep your workstation safe by managing it properly and staying alert to any potential harm.
If you do encounter any unwanted virtual guests, be sure to contact your IT department or the helpline of the security system you use. Tackling these challenges on time under expert guidance can be the difference between a temporary annoyance and an all-out digital disaster.
Be sure to check out our Insights and Tips page for more information on technology, cybersecurity, and productivity here.
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