You might invest in fully managed IT services with the most advanced antivirus software in the industry, but the security of your network depends on your employees. Many data breaches are caused by users clicking on malicious links or downloading software containing viruses, ransomware, and other programs. Training your employees to use the web safely can help prevent most cyberattacks.

A Guide to IT Security Tips for Employees

1. Choose Complex Passwords

While cybercriminals have increasingly complex tools for stealing data, simply guessing passwords is still one of the most effective techniques. Remind employees not to use their birthday, their child’s name, the word “password,” or other codes a cybercriminal may be able to figure out through trial and error.

The most effective passwords have at least eight characters, including a combination of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and punctuation marks. Some systems allow you to use complete sentences, which can be nearly impossible to hack through brute force.

2. Don’t Click Links From Unknown Senders

Phishing scams use emails that seem to be from legitimate companies to steal login credentials and financial information. Make sure your employees know not to click links from senders they don’t know, and never enter login information after following a link.

Your team should be cautious if an email seems to be from a trusted source. Instruct them to look for odd salutations, grammatical and spelling errors, or requests for information the senders should already have.

3. Use Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication increases the security of your system. When an employee logs in to their account, the system automatically sends a text message or an email with a second authentication step. To gain access, cybercriminals would have to steal both the user’s login credentials and access to their phone.

Your employees might see two-factor authentication as an inconvenience, but the security enhancements are worthwhile. The best managed IT services providers make enabling a two-factor authentication system seamless and straightforward.

A software conflict or security can bring your business to a halt, which is why companies throughout Maryland, Washington, and northern Virginia trust Laser Line. Their highly trained technicians deliver managed IT services that take the stress out of cybersecurity so you can focus on what you do best. Visit their website for more on their managed IT services, and call (410) 636-1700 to speak with a member of their team today.