Small Business

Cybersecurity Basics Checklist

Business, Security, Small Business, Technology, Wifi / / , , ,

If you work in a hybrid position, it’s likely that you are at higher risk for becoming the victim of a cyber-attack. Connecting to your work network at home or at the local coffee spot or having your work applications on a personal phone can leave you and your data vulnerable. There are dozens of ways that users can be left open to digital attacks, and the opportunity for cyber-crime evolves every day as technology changes. Here are some ways that you can protect yourself and your data.

  1. Use strong and unique passwords: It is essential to use strong and unique passwords for each of your online accounts. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long, contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  2. Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. It requires you to provide an additional piece of information, such as a code sent to your phone, before you can access your account.
  3. Be cautious of phishing scams: Phishing scams are a common tactic used by cybercriminals to steal your personal information. They usually come in the form of an email or text message that appears to be from a trusted source, asking you to provide sensitive information. Be cautious when opening emails or clicking links: Don’t open emails or click links from unknown sources, as they may contain malware.
  4. Keep your software updated: Keeping your software updated, including your operating system and antivirus software, is crucial to protect against known vulnerabilities and exploits.
  5. Use a firewall: A firewall can help block unauthorized access to your network.
  6. Secure your home network: Make sure to change the default username and password on your router, use strong encryption methods such as WPA2, and turn off remote management.
  7. Limit your personal information online: Be cautious of the information you share online, especially on social media platforms. Cybercriminals can use this information to steal your identity or commit fraud.
  8. Backup your data: Regularly backup your important data to an external hard drive or cloud storage. This will ensure that you have access to your data in case of a cyber attack or system failure.
  9. Use a Secure Network: When using public Wi-Fi use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address, making it difficult for cybercriminals to intercept your data.
  10. Use a password manager: A password manager can help you generate and store strong and unique passwords for all your accounts.

Rolle IT helps businesses secure their data and puts best practices in place to protect users and companies. User Focused IT Consulting.

Cybersecurity Basics Checklist Read More »

IT Consulting; Securing Your Commercial WIFI Network

Business, Managed Service Provider, Security, Small Business, Technology, Wifi / / , , , , , , ,

Wi-Fi is a critical component to having a successful brick and mortar location for your customers. People expect it. Its easy to set up, but when set up the wrong way leaves you and your business open to threats. With the rise of cyber theft and cybercrimes, securing your commercial Wi-Fi has become more important than ever before.

Here are some reasons why you should secure your commercial Wi-Fi:

  1. Protecting sensitive data: Businesses deal with a lot of sensitive information, such as customer data, financial information, and confidential business plans. If your Wi-Fi network is not secured, hackers can easily intercept this information and use it for malicious purposes. By securing your Wi-Fi network, you can protect your business’s sensitive data and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
  2. Compliance with regulations: Depending on your industry, you may be subject to various data protection and privacy regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and legal troubles. By securing your Wi-Fi network properly, you can ensure that you are meeting these requirements and avoiding any potential legal issues.
  3. Avoiding network congestion: Unsecured Wi-Fi networks can be easily accessed by unauthorized users, leading to a high volume of traffic and network congestion. This can cause slow network speeds, connectivity issues, and system crashes, leading to decreased productivity and profitability.
  4. Protecting your reputation: A data breach or a cyber-attack can have a severe impact on your business’s reputation. Customers may lose trust in your business, leading to a decrease in sales and revenue. By securing your Wi-Fi network, you can prevent these incidents from occurring and maintain your business’s reputation.
  5. Ensuring employee productivity: An unsecured Wi-Fi network can be a hotbed for distractions, such as social media, online shopping, and streaming services. By securing your Wi-Fi network, you can restrict access to non-work-related websites and ensure that your employees are productive during work hours.

Securing your commercial Wi-Fi is crucial for protecting your business’s sensitive data, complying with regulations, avoiding network congestion, protecting your reputation, preventing attacks and ensuring employee productivity. Unfortunately, its not as simple as changing the default password on your Wi-Fi set up. Its best to have an expert look at your network to determine what vulnerabilities exist to be mitigated. If you haven’t already done so, take the necessary steps to secure your Wi-Fi network today.

IT Consulting; Securing Your Commercial WIFI Network Read More »