3 Ways to ensure cyber security hygiene
Operational Security is a great way to support a cyber security culture in your organisation, allowing employees to feel safer in their working space, but it can also lead to a false sense of invulnerability. People in general aren’t worried about cyber security, most being entirely too complacent about this mostly misunderstood and underestimated aspect of network safety. Everyone, in fact, needs basic pointers on security hygiene. Here are three of the best practices to implement if you are wanting to promote effective cyber security hygiene in your workplace.
- Always lock your laptop when you step away from it in a public space
Laptops closed at 45-degree angle won’t go into sleep mode but wouldn’t seem readily available to passers-by. A nifty hacker plus a USB device and less than thirty seconds would equal a compromised machine. If you step away from your computer, even if your back is turned, lock it. If you’re going to step away for a while, shut the machine down so disk encryption is enabled. If you’re going to step away for longer than half-hour, take your PC with you. - Do not use Bluetooth in a shared space
Bluetooth is potentially an open door into your PC, much like your USB port. All that needs to happen is for someone to walk up to your PC and plug something into it for your device and its information to be compromised. - Forget your local network before you leave
The best practice would be to delete known or saved networks you’ll no longer use. Reset network settings after using a new or unfamiliar network.
Lax security hygiene is just as common in public spaces as it is in workplaces where people know their co-workers. Do not let your guard down. Security hygiene’s goal isn’t to stop a dedicated attacker but to make sure you’re not the lowest hanging fruit.
