The current situation is better for network traffic but not the best after the outbreak of COVID-19. People are still at the risk of getting infected and other consequences. So, many offices are opting to work remotely from home. They want their employees to be safe and deliver the best for the organization so that it’s easy to overcome the virus crisis.
Working remotely has brought comfort to both employers and employees. Employers are saving several bucks and employees are working from the comfort of their homes without being stressed about the traffic. But, the thing is remote working has increased the risk of cybersecurity threats and scams. The threat level has increased more than what it was before the outbreak of the Coronavirus.
Whether you are working from home or office, cybersecurity is important because any theft or manipulation of data can cost your business severely. Important data might leak, negatively affecting your clients and customers. Not only this, but the problem can have long-term negative consequences. You and your business might take time to recover and get back to the market in the same form. Chances are that you might lose your business forever.
If you follow effective cybersecurity protection tips, you can improve the security of your home or office network traffic. Just keep in mind these tips are for the present and future safety of your organization.
Avoid using the default username and password.
For internet connection, the service providers install a modem and router or a combination of both. The combination is mostly installed in the office setting to handle different systems. When you connect to the internet, the service provider gives a default username and password. They use default settings so that they don’t get confused between so many systems.
Many people proceed with the default password and password because they are easy to remember and use. And sometimes, people do so due to carelessness.
If you use the default username and password, it will be easy for hackers to hack your account. They will rename the network, reset the password, and change the configuration if they get access. And once it’s done, everything will be gone. So, you should change the default username and password soon after getting connected to the internet.
Install a network firewall.
Just like how a water filter filters the impurities, the network firewall filters the network traffic. In other words, the network firewall prevents unauthorized access attempts and blocks malicious traffic, protecting the network from threats.
You will find many routers with in-built firewalls. This increases the security features and gives an upper hand in cybersecurity protection. In this case, you don’t have to invest in external filtering options. Everything will be handled by the in-built firewall.
If you install a network firewall, there will be flexibility at work and things will be done efficiently. It’s because the firewall allows setting up rules at a more granular level.
Keep the networking devices up-to-date.
Discussion on up-to-date networking devices and cybersecurity is always confusing. People are unable to determine how updating the devices will protect their networks and keep the hackers away. Due to this confusion, people often ignore updates or skip them for later.
No matter what or how many networking devices you are using in your home or office, you should keep them up-to-date. Updating means you should have the latest security patches and fixes on your networking devices. The updates should be capable enough to provide security fixes and patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities and threats.
With up-to-date networking devices, you will improve the network security level. There will be no threats or manipulation.
Take a backup of data.
You are taking the best measures to provide cybersecurity to your home or office network. And for that, you are investing in a secure and reliable network and quality devices. But, hackers are smart and they might find ways to disrupt your work. So, you should take the backup of your data regularly.
Backing up will help you recover the data if it gets hacked and running your business will become easier. While backing up, you should primarily focus on the critical data of your organization.
With the help of third-party backup applications, you can automate the process. This means you don’t have to keep an eye on data and worry about backing it. Everything will be done automatically, reducing your time and effort.
Educate your employees
Education is the strongest tool for cybersecurity. If you or your employees are not educated about networking and its safety, the measures taken by you will not work in your favor.
Many people have a misconception that cybersecurity has nothing to do with individual employees. It’s the responsibility of the company and the IT department. But, the fact is everyone in the company is responsible for cybersecurity. So, you should educate all your employees regarding the same.
You should educate them on how to maintain network security through the use of technology and equipment. Other than this, you should teach them to reduce the risk of intrusion by adjusting their behavior. Make sure you conduct regular employee training and education in your office.
Cybersecurity is important for the present and future of your organization. If you don’t take the right steps now, you will suffer from severe consequences and end up losing your company forever.