More IT Support Tips and Secrets Revealed!

Monica Morris • Nov 20, 2019

This past Spring we revealed a few IT support tips and IT secrets and found this to be a fun blog post! We figured… why not share a few more tips and secrets this Fall too. In this blog post, we’re revealing a few more helpful IT security tips and IT secrets that will keep your technology safe from hackers and cyber attacks.

IT Security Tip #1: The on-screen keyboard: use it!

One of the most notorious spyware/malware targets is your keyboard – keylogger software has been around for ages. The longtime favorite of electronic crooks, keyloggers are made even easier for bad guys to distribute and for you to accidently come in contact with by modern security breaches. The keylogger does just what it sounds like – it logs every key that you type, and then sends a log of all the keystrokes back to the attacker. How many passwords, account numbers and other sensitive data do you type on a daily basis? These are all valuable on the black market.

Luckily, there’s an easy way you can make sure sensitive passwords and data are safe from these keystroke-stealing criminals –  SECRET REVEALED!   >> use an on-screen keyboard when typing in sensitive passwords, social security numbers or other data. Your computer will see the on-screen keyboard taps as mouse-clicks instead of keyboard input. Banks are making on-screen keyboards more accessible to their clients on a daily basis because of the added security over traditional keypads and keyboards. This simple change in habit could prevent complex problems in the future.

 

IT Security Tip #2: Back to Basics

A lot of time is spent on staying protected from the newest type of scam or the newest cybercrimes, but as is true with many things, remembering the basics is the entire foundation of making sure you, your company and your clients remain safe.

Everyone in the company or organization should know basic security principles. Security principles and policies should be documented and part of every new employee training. Strong password requirements, only connecting remotely over VPN and Internet usage guidelines are examples of some common security policy items. Strict penalties for violating the security policies should be detailed.

SECRET REVEALED!   >>  It’s not a good habit to save files onto your computer if there is a location on the network or on your server that they can live. They’re much less likely to be backed up on your computer, whereas they’ll reliably and regularly be backed up if they are saved on the server.

If you use websites or software that do not require regular password changes, set a calendar reminder to change the password yourself every other month.

As with other things, a little prevention goes a long way – remembering the security basics, and asking about them if you don’t know what they are, is the single best thing you can do to protect yourself and protect the company.

 

IT Security Tip #3: Remove that unwanted freeware

Like it or not, PC manufacturers LOVE to stuff your brand-new PC full of “free” applications (they get paid to do it, so you’ve got a slim chance of getting one without a side of spamware).  SECRET REVEALED!   >>  But clutter is the enemy of a speedy PC, and if you’re not using a particular software on a regular basis, it’s best to REMOVE it completely. That way you don’t have it sucking up processing speed AND leaving the door open to hackers and malware. 

 

IT Security Tip #4: The No. 1 threat to your security is…

YOU! And your employees. Like it or not, human beings are our own worst enemies online, inviting hackers, viruses, data breaches, data loss, etc., through the seemingly innocent actions taken every day online. In most cases, this is done without malicious intent – but if you as a manager or owner aren’t monitoring what websites your employees are visiting, what files they’re sending and receiving, and even what they’re posting in company e-mail, you could be opening yourself up to a world of hurt. 

That’s because employees’ actions can subject the company they work for to monetary loss, civil lawsuits, data theft and even criminal charges if they involve disclosure of confidential company information, transmission of pornography or exposure to malicious code.

SECRET REVEALED!   >>  One thing you can (and should) do is configure your firewall to document and monitor which websites users are visiting. Almost all enterprise-level firewalls have this ability built in; you simply need to configure it and monitor the reports (something we can certainly help you with). But it’s up to you to set the rules, write it into an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), TRAIN employees on what is and isn’t acceptable and then get them to sign the AUP. 

 

If you’re a SDTEK client, we got you covered. If not, please  contact us  today to learn more about our IT support services. We can help create a secure IT environment for you and your employees.

SDTEK is a top rated IT support company servicing San Diego county. We are a creative managed it service provider who specializes in personalized technology support to help our clients accelerate the success and growth of their business.

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown

Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats in Fort Wayne: A Guide for Local Businesses

05 Jan, 2024
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The Benefits of Cybersecurity Dark Web Monitoring for Business Owners

06 Dec, 2023
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.
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