Are You Aware of the Latest Cybersecurity Threats?

You might have heard of the alarming stories of cybercriminals dropping thumb drives loaded with malicious code in employee parking lots, waiting for an unsuspecting victim to pick one up and plug it into their work computer. It’s a cunning tactic, isn’t it? Even more concerning is that studies reveal a shocking statistic: 60% of individuals would fall prey to such a ploy!

Given the ease with which hackers can infiltrate your business with minimal effort, providing your employees with comprehensive security awareness training has become vital. This training encompasses everything from current security threats to company security policies and each employee’s pivotal role in safeguarding your business against cyber threats.

Unfortunately, many businesses don’t know where to begin the development of a program or what areas they should focus priority on. With so much to know and paths you can take, we understand the potential confusion. We’re here to help. Together, we can get your employees up to speed on the basics of security awareness or augment an existing program with additional education and guidance on good employee security policy and how it relates to the work streams of your business. Here’s a peek at some must-haves as part of any good program:

Phishing and Social Engineering

Social engineering involves deceiving users into divulging sensitive information. Phishing, an attempt to extract confidential data like passwords and credit card details through email or chat, is a common form of social engineering attack. These attacks are so successful because they appear to come from credible sources, making it easy for recipients to trust them. Recognizing phishing attempts involves spotting tell-tale signs such as typos, suspicious links, an unusual sense of urgency, or a feeling that something isn’t quite right. If employees suspect a phishing attempt, they should avoid clicking on links or attachments and refrain from sharing sensitive information. Implementing a process for reporting such emails promptly is crucial for preventing widespread phishing scams.

Passwords and Network Access

Employees should adhere to best practices when creating passwords, especially for accessing IT environments. In many industries, password policy enforcement is a compliance requirement. Passwords should be unique for each application and information source, comprising at least eight characters with letters and special characters, while avoiding obvious choices like names and birthdays. Regular password updates, avoiding sticky notes on monitors, and refraining from sharing passwords with colleagues are essential practices. Additionally, employees should exercise caution when using external networks, as even encrypted devices may not secure data transfers over unsecured networks. Utilizing trusted network connections or secure VPN settings is crucial to minimize security risks when accessing company resources from public spaces.

Device Security

With the increasing presence of personal devices in the workplace, employees must grasp the potential security risks associated with connecting personal phones or tablets to the enterprise network. The same threats that apply to company desktops and laptops also extend to personal devices. While employees should have secure means of accessing resources from their personal devices, they should remain vigilant when browsing websites, installing applications, and clicking on links.

Physical Security

Cyber threats are not the only concerns; physical security plays a pivotal role in safeguarding sensitive information. Instances of employees leaving mobile devices or computers unattended are all too common. Such lapses could lead to immediate data risks if someone accesses these devices or logs into sensitive assets via connected network sessions. This aspect of security is often overlooked but deserves a refresher, particularly as more employees adapt to remote work. Implementing office security measures, such as locking all devices when leaving one’s desk, storing sensitive materials in locked cabinets rather than leaving them out in the open, and ensuring proper disposal of sensitive documents, is essential.

Are you ready to take the first step? We’ve got your back. Feel free to call us, and let’s discuss your employee security awareness needs. Together, we can fortify your defenses against the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity threats.

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