It may sound strange but, you would be surprised how many people don’t really know what’s going on with the technology in their business. Do you know who is accessing your company files and where they are stored? Do you know what websites your employees visit and every device your employees use for work?
If you answered no to any of these, you may be at risk for data loss, security breaches or worse, a dangerous infection. Know who is accessing information in your company, what they are doing, and when they are online in order to keep your company safe from internal and online attacks.
Who, what, and when? Your company information is the heart of your business. Client files, project information, and financials can’t be left out on a coffee table in the lobby for all to see. So, why is access to your files on the computer unrestricted? Set controls so each employee only has the access they need, monitor what they are doing with your company data, and see when they are online uploading or downloading company files.
Usage and monitoring policies. Create a company handbook, if you haven’t already, and be sure to include a privacy policy that informs every employee of your usage and monitoring policy. Clearly define actions that are prohibited and give examples so everyone is on the same page. The best policies are those that are written, signed and posted in the office to show your organizations expectations. This will help you weed out dishonest employees and deter crooked applicants. Employees are more likely to stay on task, stay off of personal websites and engage their work day if they know someone is watching.
Where and why? Working remotely is essential for many companies today. Workers may travel, work from home, or simply live out of state. Fortunately, where someone works doesn’t have to dictate the level of risk to your organization.
Start by evaluating each device your employees plan to use for work. Scan the devices for infections, set up antivirus protection, and implement a process for remote workers to safely use and store company files. Advise all employees to be cautious when using unsecured connections like those found in coffee shops and hotels.
Negligence is not an excuse. According to a recent survey from the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and Symantec, “Negligence is the most common threat, causing 41% of breaches.” Unfortunately, most people don’t know how to keep files safe. I’m sure you’ve heard stories of stolen laptops that housed loads of company data exposing their business to a massive security breach.
How do I get started with changes for my business? Educate your employees. Teach them about the dangers of storing company data on personal devices like their cell phones, laptops, and USB drives. Share examples that spell out your primary concerns and always revisit, revise, and reissue your company policies at least twice a year to reinforce the importance of security.
Visit www.staysafeonline.org for more information and statistics about keeping your company data safe. If you’re interested in setting up tools to monitor your systems and control access to your company data or would like to setup your employees to work remotely, give us a call today.
Biz-Net will work with you to review your current technology, identify risks, and increase security. This will help you to know everything the technology you use everyday in your business.
