TECHNOLOGY


Five top tips for end user security


By Richmond Afenyo, of Chamber patron Highlander Computing Solutions


Securing the modern network is a continuing challenge for IT teams, especially as users increasingly work remotely using a multitude of devices. The reality is no matter how secure your network, user action (intentional or unintentional) is often the most likely cause of a security breach. Here are five top tips to help stay secure:


1


Email education is vital. Email is one of the main infection points. Viruses can be hidden behind malicious links or attachments, and email


accounts of senior colleagues impersonated to trick finance teams into making payments to third-parties. Ensuring users are educated to identify and respond to suspicious or fraudulent emails is vital. Check the email domain and ask the supposed sender to send via another route if possible. If in doubt, contact your IT team.


2 3


Be smart on social media. Building a strong social media presence is important. But this avenue has not gone unnoticed by hackers, who


target businesses via their social media accounts, creating fake social media profiles to phish for business information which could be used to gain access. Be cautious regarding the details you share on social media and avoid giving more information than is required.


Stay on top of security and device updates. Missing just one regular update for your operating system or anti-virus software could leave your


device exposed to emerging threats. It’s important to remain diligent and act on any desktop or genuine email alerts you may receive.


4 5


Encrypt physical media. Even though data held within your network might be protected, you may not have considered data sitting on


physical media like laptop hard-drives and USB keys. These are attractive targets and can be misplaced when working on the move. If travelling or working away from the office, it’s wise to ask your IT team to encrypt any physical media to ensure data is rendered unusable should the unthinkable occur.


Beware of phoney public hotspots. Have you ever considered whether public wifi access is genuine? False hotspots are often planted in public


locations with the hope of catching out unsuspecting users to gain access to data held on their devices. Some networks can even monitor every mouse click or key stroke, allowing hackers to crack passwords and access files and accounts. Avoid public hotspots whenever possible. Use an internet dongle or connect to your own mobile phone as a personal hotspot. If you do need to access a public network, make sure it’s genuine first.


92 business network February 2020


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