A firewall is a device that acts like a security guard, watching over your computer network to detect and prevent unauthorized access and activity. Every business and individual needs one.
While traditional firewalls serve as the first line of defense for your network infrastructure, the human firewall is a crucial element often overlooked.
Picture this: You’ve invested in state-of-the-art cybersecurity tools, implemented robust encryption protocols, and fortified your network with the latest firewall technology. Yet, a single unsuspecting employee clicking on a malicious link or falling victim to a phishing email can render all your defenses futile, leading to devastating consequences for your business.
Enter the human firewall – a concept that emphasizes the role of individuals within your organization as proactive defenders against cyber threats. Unlike its technological counterpart, the human firewall isn’t a tangible device or software; instead, it’s a mindset, a culture, and a set of practices that empower your employees to become vigilant guardians of your digital assets.
In this tech tip, we’ll cover four ways you, your coworkers, and your employees can become an additional security layer and equip your business with the knowledge and tools necessary to thwart cyber threats effectively.
-
Stay Current
Just like we need to patch our systems and software to stay current, we need to keep our personal knowledge of threats and solutions up to date as well. By understanding the evolving threat landscape, you can anticipate potential risks and adapt your defense strategies accordingly.
-
Foster a Culture of Security Awareness
Employee Training:
One of the best ways to increase end-user security is to encourage a culture of security awareness in which every employee understands their role in maintaining cybersecurity. Emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activities or potential security incidents promptly. Implement clear protocols for reporting incidents and provide incentives for proactive behavior.
As new threats continue to arise, employees should receive ongoing cybersecurity training. At Meeting Tree Computer, we’re happy to provide cybersecurity expertise and coordinate a training regimen to help your employees protect themselves in and out of the workplace. We can even send phony emails to unsuspecting employees, and if any links are clicked, we provide additional training for those who do. Call us to find out more: (845) 237-2117.
Promote Accountability
Employees need to be aware of what to watch out for, know how to follow best practices and feel empowered to report anything suspicious. It’s important to have a detailed cybersecurity policy that covers everything from password creation and internet safety to the security of mobile devices. Your cybersecurity policy does not need to specify any technical solutions but offer a set of intentions and conditions that aid in the protection of assets and guidance about what kind of behavior and resource uses are required, acceptable, or forbidden.
-
Practice Password Security
How secure is your password?
If you want to know how long it could potentially take to crack your password, check out this website: https://howsecureismypassword.net/
You may be wondering who on Earth would want to hack into my accounts?
It’s unfortunate that large and small companies are getting hacked daily, resulting in millions of people’s account information being compromised. While data breaches are out of your control, creating passwords that can withstand such relentless attacks is imperative. Here are five basic password tips you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Never write down your password or share it with someone else.
- Don’t use the same password for everything.
- Change your passwords roughly every 90 days (this is the accepted industry standard).
- Avoid using personal information (family names, addresses, pet names, birthdates, etc).
- Use a password manager like Password Boss, Dashlane, or NordPass to keep all your passwords secure.
-
Remain Vigilant with Regular Risk Assessments
Finally, make sure all defenses are on high alert at all times, and to stay one step ahead of hackers, we must always be proactive and constantly be aware of any new threats your business may face. Regular risk assessments are fundamental in fortifying your organization’s cyber posture. By identifying potential weaknesses, you can prioritize your efforts to strengthen your defenses where they’re most needed. Enlist the help of an IT support partner like Meeting Tree Computer to help.
Now, you’re well on your way to becoming a human firewall! By implementing these actionable strategies, you can strengthen the human side of your cybersecurity and significantly enhance your overall cybersecurity posture.
Cybersecurity is a continuous journey, and proactive measures are vital to staying ahead of ever-evolving threats. If you’d like to learn more about what we do, or if you would like to schedule a free business IT consultation, call us today: (845) 237-2117
Meeting Tree Computer is a complete technology solution provider and the leading IT Support and Managed Service Provider in Orange County, NY; we can support businesses just like yours in the surrounding counties, including in Sullivan and Rockland County as well.
