With many of us now working from home, making video conference calls, uploading documents and conducting business online, how can firms ensure that their data and systems are secure?

UPDATE YOUR NETWORK SECURITY

While this should be done regularly, making sure your devices are completely up-to-date with the most recent security patches and upgrades can make a huge difference in securing your data.

Functions such as your operating system, antivirus and antimalware programs, and your router are just some of the things you should immediately protect since those are generally your first and last defence against external threats. If some of your staff are using their own devices when working remotely, your firm can roll out secure platforms such as Mobile Iron, which can be installed to keep company data secure.

ENCRYPT HOME WI-FI

If your team is working from home, ensure that their Wi-Fi network is encrypted. A good start is to change the router’s default password as it’s susceptible to attack from a hacker. Default passwords tend to be weaker. ‘Admin’, for example. Note that this is not the password you use to access the network; it’s the one you use to protect your settings and configuration.

TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (2FA)

2FA requires two forms of identification to gain access, such as a password and a PIN code. This makes it harder for hackers to guess user login details. If you don’t want to rely on set numbers and codes, you can also use apps like Microsoft and Google Authenticator – this will send an approval notification to your phone which you can either approve or deny.

TRAINING

Having the right training in place is central to working remotely. Assign appropriate training courses to your team and ensure that they all complete it. Reinforce staff responsibilities, including when to report cybersecurity issues.

Remind employees that while they work remotely, they must maintain the same level of professionalism when it comes to secure and sensitive data as they do in the office. That includes reminding people that personal email is not to be used in an official capacity and that any physical documents kept at home must either be disposed of properly with a shredder or set aside securely to be shredded or filed at a later date.

MMGA takes online security very seriously, and our team complete cyber safety training to protect your valuable information and data. We can set you up with the relevant provider to complete cyber safety training that will ensure you and your team remain safe online.  If you are interested in completing this training, please get in touch.