Remote work has put cyber security and privacy on the minds of many leaders. As digital connections become the de facto way we work, make sure you’re setting the tone for your team on how to keep your operations and data secure.
Protecting your data doesn’t have to be rocket science. Many leaders may find tech jargon overwhelming, and hiring a IT expert can help ensure advanced and knowledgeable protection. Still, some of the best practices don’t require an IT infrastructure degree. Here are just a few ways anyone can protect their data; and everyone should.
Real Passwords. It sounds too good to be true, but having a strong password is one of the most accessible and effective ways to protect access to data or your digital assets. It’s easy to get lazy and recycle passwords across platforms and accounts, or to use terms that are easy to remember. An effective password should:
- Refrain from using any personal information including name, pet names, etc.
- Incorporate a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, spaces, and special characters
- Be at least ten characters long, though most sites only require seven
- Be unique to each account
- Never use the password from an unsecured network
Two-Factor Authorization. Many sites offer two-factor authorization that serves as an extra layer of protection for your most sensitive accounts. Use two-factor authorization for any account that may have customer data, especially contact information like email lists.
Who Has Keys? Remember when trusting your office or retail business came down to who had keys to the front door? Today, controlling who has access to your digital access is even more important. Keep close tabs on who has access to your website, CRM software, network, server, and social media assets. Most platforms offer different roles that let you give the access to the right team members for what they need, but not everything. Giving your team the appropriate access protects your data and your team as well.
Draw The Lines. Working from home can blur the professional and personal lines when it comes to data. Make sure no one on your team is downloading sensitive information to personal computers, or storing data in anyway that may not be secure. Insist on strict protocol that keeps work and real life separate. Many companies insist that all work is done on company-provided hardware to ensure that these lines aren’t crossed on purpose or by accident.
Educate Your Team. Especially with millions of Americans working from home, informing your team of security best-practices is the best investment you can make in securing your data. 90% of security breaches are from human mistakes; no IT changes can save an uninformed worker from falling from a phishing scheme.
Don’t let IT feel like too much for you to tackle. Stay informed, learn from others in your industry, and make data security a part of your company’s culture for the long haul.