Cybersecurity Awareness: Three tips to be Cyber Smart in the new normal of work

The intersection of home and work from a technology perspective was largely non-existent until now. As employees get comfortable working from home and merge personal technology with work devices, they also introduce new risk into the enterprise environment. Wherever there's an opportunity, in this case, an expanded attack surface, cybercriminals will try to take advantage. The 17th National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) continues to raise global awareness about the importance of cybersecurity on a user level. And it’s never been more important for employees to heed this advice.

While we believe that the onus of cybersecurity lies in each organization; it helps employees to also practice good cyber hygiene and be aware of the risks everyday technologies pose.

Avoid (123456) predictable passwords

Setting a predictable password like 123456 is like having a door without hinges; a thief can break it down without much effort. It’s concerning that given so much of our lives are available online and accessible across multiple devices, we’re still relying on simple and predictable passwords. With data breaches happening so frequently, creating unique, strong password combinations are critical. The most effective method is to use a password manager to create and store complex passwords. I’d also strongly encourage enabling two-factor authentication to protect accounts. It’s simple to use and provides an additional layer of security.

Free Wifi has its consequences

Stuck within the four walls of your home, it can at times be tempting to connect to the public Wifi from an outdoor space like a cafe or a public library. However, connecting to the public WiFi can leave us vulnerable especially if these networks are unencrypted.  Cybercriminals looking to get hold of sensitive information can utilise tools like Wi-Fi Sniffers. To secure your online connection and protect your privacy, use a trusted virtual private network (VPN).

Phishing scams on the rise

We've all received emails that might look normal at first but have one or more suspicious details, urging us to click on a URL or download a file. Often used to steal login details and the confidential info those credentials protect, phishing scams are also used as delivery systems for malware or other exploits. They can be deployed via email, phone or SMS. As more employees in India work from home, they need to be mindful that clicking on phishing emails from their personal devices can introduce new threats. Thus, they put the wider corporate network at risk.

#BeCyberSmart

As working from home becomes part of our lives, these tips, while simple, will put employees at ease. It will help them recognize looming cyber threats. The next time you decide to log into the public Wi-Fi; click on an unknown link or connect to your public Wi-fi, think twice.