Internet Safety – 5 Best Practices for Keeping Your Business Safe

Five Nines Team : Jul 13, 2016 3:09:14 PM

1 min read

Cybersecurity

Internet Safety – 5 Best Practices for Keeping Your Business Safe

TL;DR

Establish clear rules for how employees use company technology and access sensitive data.
Protect your systems with up-to-date security tools like antivirus, web and spam filters, plus secure email where needed.
Make ongoing employee education and safe browsing habits a core part of your security culture.

It is no secret that your business could be under attack by cybercriminals at any moment of any day. It is the basic fact of business in the internet age. Providing small business security against these probing cyber criminals requires a culture of security within a business. Check out the five best practices for keeping your business safe below.

Every business should start by having an “Internet Use Policy” as part of their employee handbook. The policy should serve as a guideline as to what is acceptable use of company-owned technology.
Businesses should consider limiting and regularly auditing the number of employees that have the ability to install software and access confidential company information. Elevated privileges are often required to install spyware or ransomware on users’ computers. Once the software has been installed, it has the same access as the user to data on the network, which may contain confidential or sensitive information.
Be proactive when it comes to protecting company assets. Ensure all of your company computers have up-to-date anti-virus/antimalware software installed. Companies may also consider implementing a Web Filter to better protect employees from accessing potentially unsafe websites.
Email may also be a threat to your network. Many viruses and spyware applications are installed via email attachments or links from emails that look legitimate. Implementing a Spam Filter will not only catch potential threats, but it may also prevent employee productivity from being lost to deleting all that junk mail. Companies that deal with sensitive information regularly should also consider adding a secure email solution. It’s the only safe way to send sensitive information via email.
Nothing is more important than employee education when it comes to protecting company assets. Ensure your employees know the basics when it comes to safe internet usage. Below is a list of five safe Internet surfing tips everyone should be aware of.

Use a unique password for each website
Ensure your password is complex and change it regularly
Never enter personal information into an unsecured website (look for the https: or lock to be sure the website is secure)
Never click on links or attachments in an email from an unknown sender
Advertisements even on major websites can redirect you to a potentially harmful website

Educating your team on proper security practices will always be key to keeping your business safe.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my small business need an Internet use policy?

An Internet use policy sets expectations for how employees can use company devices and networks, which reduces the chance of risky behavior and gives you something concrete to point to when you enforce security standards.

Why should we limit who can install software or access sensitive data?

The more people who have elevated privileges, the easier it is for malware or ransomware to be installed and spread. Limiting and auditing access reduces the attack surface and helps keep confidential information protected.

What basic security tools should every business have?

At minimum, you should have up-to-date antivirus or antimalware on all company computers, plus web filtering to block unsafe sites. These tools help prevent infections before they reach your users.

How big of a risk is email to my network?

Email is one of the most common ways attackers deliver malicious links and attachments. Spam and phishing filters reduce what reaches inboxes, and secure email is essential if you regularly send sensitive information.

Why is employee education so important for security?

Even strong technical controls can be defeated by a single risky click. Training employees on unique, complex passwords, how to spot unsafe sites, and when not to open links or attachments makes them an active line of defense instead of a liability.