Staying Secure in a Social Media World
Monica Morris • Sep 12, 2019
The age of social media has let millions of people reconnect and stay up-to-date with family members, friends, ex-in-laws and acquaintances. It also continues to shape how we all communicate with each other. It’s important to keep a few things in mind before you check your newsfeed. There is no delete button on the Internet. Everyone knows how to capture a screenshot. Even if you keep your social media completely private, when relationships change, nothing is private. Are you going to be comfortable in 10 years with what you post today? It will be archived forever.
If you post in online forums or on message boards, or comment on news-related websites, consider using a pseudonym. Don’t share names of real businesses, clients, friends or family. If a bank manager wouldn’t allow a picture of all of the money in the vault to be shared on the Internet, you shouldn’t ever allow a picture containing any confidential, financial, legal or other protected documents and items to be shared either.
For businesses that use social media in the workplace, it’s important to remind employees to be careful about what is shared and what is clicked. You can be a victim of a cyber attack from social media.
Here are a few quick tips on what to watch for in the World of Social Media:
- Do Not Share Valuable Info. Make sure employees do not share valuable information about your business in a post. And be cautious about what is being shared. Sharing information that may be considered sensitive could fall into the hands of a cyber attacker. A social media post could give an attacker the information they need to steal personal company data. Share with your employees ahead of time what information is best to not be share and help avoid a harmful cyber attack.
- What You Post Online Can Be Permanent. Always a helpful reminder, whatever you post online is permanent. Even if you delete the post, you don’t know who already has seen the post and who has taken a photo or screenshot of it.
- Don’t Overshare. Remind employees not post too much information that can harm the company. Be mindful of what is shared on social media.
- Keep personal information off of social media. Don’t overshare personal information on social media websites. It’s a good rule of thumb to make sure to not share any details about your birth dates, addresses, information about family and so on. Keep private information private.
- You can get a virus from social media. Malware can hide in social media ads. Be careful about which ads you click. If an ad doesn’t look like a trusted source, then no point in clicking on the ad. It could have a virus that can spread and infect your whole database.
- Social media accounts can be fake. Watch out for phony fake social media accounts. This is another way hackers can obtain confidential information.
- Be aware of scams. Be careful of phishing scams. Hackers can use social media as a tool for phishing scams to trick people into handing over passwords, bank information, and other types of business data.
A good social media policy in the office can save headaches down the road. Please contact us with any questions about the safety and security of your office.
The post Staying Secure in a Social Media World appeared first on SDTEK | San Diego, CA.
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.
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