Installing more than one program to constantly scan and monitor your PC for viruses and other security threats can create problems, because the two applications will likely interfere with each other’s work. Clashing antivirus programs can cause the computer to behave erratically and run more slowly as the applications battle for system resources.

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An Old Scam Gains More Traction…

For over a year, hackers have been running a scam offering refunds for companies that were “going out of business”.  In reality, none of these companies were really shutting down.  Instead, hackers were using this as an excuse to gain the personal banking information of victims, so they could “process” the refund.

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Most people don’t think twice about using their favorite app or clicking on a link in an email, on facebook, twitter or even providing personal information when filling in online forms. But all of these activities can become Cyber security threats. Most users just don’t think about it and believe that nothing is ever going to happen to them. Unfortunately, we couldn’t be more wrong.

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Cyber security is a growing topic, whether it is at home with friends or family, or at work with the boss or colleagues. Online threats have continued to advance year-over-year with cyber crime costs consistently increasing. With the growing risks, it is important small and medium businesses (SMBs) understand the key steps they need to take to boost their cyber security, keeping their data and devices secure.

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Security Best Practices — Are You Implementing Them?

Chances are you’ve done it.  You left your computer unlocked while you ran to the breakroom, or perhaps kept important documents exposed on your desk while you head out to lunch.  This isn’t exactly uncommon, but it is a terrible habit to get into.

But wait — it gets worse!

According to Shred-It’s State of the Industry Report, 25% of workers have left their computers unlocked after leaving work for the day.  That’s hours upon hours that the computer is accessible to anyone who happens to walk into that office.   Now, let’s assume that this individual has admin rights.  If someone wanted to, they could install malware on this device and spread it throughout the entire network.  Or they could access confidential company data or employee/customer information stored on the device.

But this goes beyond locking the device.  Like mentioned above, we’ve all likely left a document on our desk that should’ve been locked up before leaving our workspace.  As it turns out, 36% of workers have left sensitive documents exposed after leaving work for the day.  This too has a security breach written all over it.  What if this was a medical facility?  Think of all the information held in a patient file that is being haphazardly left on the admissions desk or an unlocked doctor’s office.  I’m sure if it was your patient file, you’d be less than thrilled.

Preventing Human Error

Honestly, very few things are more difficult than preventing human error.  You cannot control how others keep their workstations.  You cannot control whether or not they lock their computer, or put sensitive documents away.  So, what exactly can you do?  First, you can mandate all devices that have no recognized activity for 2-4 minutes to automatically go into “Sleep Mode”, which you can require a password to unlock.

Unfortunately, you cannot magically make the file go into a locked cabinet after someone left it out.  Nor is it feasible to do walk-throughs of employee offices before leaving for the day.  Therefore, it may be most beneficial for management to put into place a write-up policy for exposed sensitive documents.  If an employee is written up a certain amount of times, it is justification for termination of employment.

To be clear, these are not the only two risks.  Employees who have passwords written down on sticky notes on their monitors, or saved in Word documents are equally guilty.  Employers are suggested to invest in password vaults for employees, which will avoid the need to keep passwords elsewhere.

Conclusion

We get it — it can be easy to forget to do these things.  It can also be hard to remember every single password you need to login to various programs, applications, or systems.  However, as an employee of any organization, you are held responsible for the data you encounter on a daily basis.  That information may include proprietary information for the company, customer/employee personally identifiable information, other company’s data, financial information, etc.  Treat this information with respect and get in the habit of checking your workstation each time you exit it.  This includes ensuring your devices are locked, and all sensitive data is removed from your desk and locked away in its proper place.

You’re also encouraged to take these best practices home.  Locking your home devices and securing personal information so not every person that walks into your house can access it — is strongly encouraged.