How Can You Improve Cybersecurity at Your Job?

Cybersecurity is extremely important in the workplace. No matter the nature of your organization, you likely have sensitive data pertaining to your business, clients, and colleagues. Here are some helpful tips on how to improve cybersecurity in your workplace. 

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the process of protecting your computers from unauthorized access, damage, and viruses. This practice only refers to protecting your online and electronic information, not paper data or files. It is every employee's responsibility to maintain proper cybersecurity practices. 

In order to ensure cybersecurity is not overlooked in the workplace, remind your employees of it regularly. Basic cybersecurity training should be completed during new hires’ orientation and throughout their time at the company. 

Cybersecurity software and practices are continually evolving. Therefore, you must evolve with them every year. Here are some tips on how to implement cybersecurity training in your organization and some recommended cybersecurity solutions. 

Cybersecurity Training 101

To avoid a cyber-attack, each employee must know about cybersecurity and work to safeguard the company's data and online network. Even if just one computer on your network falls victim to malware or hacking, every computer in the network is at risk. 

These five simple reminders will improve your cybersecurity defense systems and minimize your company’s risk of a cyber attack. 

Physical Protection 

All the devices in your workplace need to be physically secured. This applies to both remote and in-office employees. Laptops and work cell phones need to be password protected with two-factor authentication. Additionally, they should be physically secured in a safe place whenever they aren’t in use. 

Password Protection

Employee handbooks should have a policy on employee passwords, including how often they must be changed. Using the same email or computer password for too long puts you at risk of compromising your data. All employees should use strong passwords, have different passwords for each device and work program, and should change passwords at least every six months. 

Backup Your Data 

Your IT department should back up all of your computer’s data at least once a year. In addition, employees need to engage in regular updates of cybersecurity software when prompted. 

No Personal Browsing 

Personal internet browsing, online shopping, and online banking should only be done on personal devices, not work devices. This will minimize the amount of personal identifiable information on workplace devices and decrease your chances of getting hacked. Social media logins should also be kept off work devices. 

And don’t forget: Clicking on suspicious ads or links when browsing online is one of the biggest ways hackers are able to get malware onto your device. 

Employee Awareness and Education 

Conduct regular organization-wide training on cybersecurity. Ensure your employees know how to spot suspicious emails and URLs. For instance, here are some surefire signs of a suspicious link or email:

• Emails that have no content in the body section

• A spoofed URL or email address

• Suggestions or prompts to click on an unrecognizable link

These phishing emails can often appear professional or may mimic a company or client you know well. Educate your employees on how to spot the difference between valid emails and phishing, and refresh this education annually in your workplace. 

Cybersecurity Solutions 

Strengthening your workplace cybersecurity can be done in a variety of ways. There are various tools, resources, companies, and software you can implement to improve your cybersecurity. Your cybersecurity should include the following: 

• Network Security: This covers safeguarding your network data from unauthorized access via your computer network.

• Information Security: This includes safeguarding your business information and protecting it from alteration, being deleted, or being compromised.

• Infrastructure Security: This is a critical component of cybersecurity. It includes implementing safeguards in the basic structure of your company's network. Internet servers, data centers, network communication systems, and your IT department are all protected with infrastructure security. 

If you do not have an IT department, hire one. You also can bring in an outside cybersecurity company to install cybersecurity software. However, even if you utilize a third-party company to strengthen cybersecurity, you should have one or two IT staff employed in your organization. 

For more helpful information on protecting your company and being viewed as a strategic partner who contributes to your organization’s success, check out the hundreds of resources ASAP has to offer. Our webinars, articles, and in-person training events are all intended to help today’s busy executive assistants and administrative professionals learn and grow in their careers.