CyberSecurity Month: The Security Lowdown

Do you lock your computer when you step away from your desk?

It’s as simple as Windows Key +L on a windows computer. Ctrl+Shift + Power button on a Mac. You need to start making this a habit. Whether or not your colleagues are the most trustworthy people around you don’t know who could be lurking in the shadows waiting to take advantage of you and leave you in a compromising position of identity fraud, leaked corporate documents, etc. Protecting the Personal Data of our associates, resellers, customers, vendors, and other business partners is one of our top priorities, and it’s also a legal requirement. Strong privacy protection depends on strong cybersecurity.

You know those pesky “update” notifications you get on your computer or phone asking you to continually upgrade? Don’t dismiss those! Those are patches applications have created due to a vulnerability they have discovered….or in many cases external hackers have discovered in those applications.  Run and download those patches/ updates quickly to ensure you’re applications are up-to-date. Consider turning on auto-updates for trusted applications.

And if you own a lot of IoT devices,  well…..Internet of Things devices have a turbulent security reputation.  Which devices could yield the most amount of personal data if breeched?  For example, you own a connected security camera that doesn’t encrypt traffic when you’re on the same WiFi network — well, that could allow attackers to snoop on raw video footage inside your home.  Encrypt and secure all devices that are connected or have the potential of being connected.  You may not turn it on….that doesn’t mean a hacker can’t turn it on remotely if it’s unsecure.  And when it comes to the home….keep an eye out on the devices your kids are on.  Those need to be secured and monitored as well.

No single person or business can be perfectly secure, but we can certainly make an attempt, both together and individually, to be more aware of the threats. Securing mobile devices, computers, networks, and private information is part of that collective effort.  By practicing robust cyber security practices, enhancing family awareness, training young folks or new employees, we can make the Internet safer and more secure place for everyone.  

Not sure where to get started or need some help setting up a security practice? Contact our security expert Joe Rand at Joe.Rand@ingrammicro.com.