3 good practices to optimize your companys it hygiene for the holiday holidays

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gogrin

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Date Posted:

June 21, 2024

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The long Christmas and holiday break is a period when your IT equipment is more vulnerable to cyber threats. For what? Your employees may unintentionally leave their computer in sleep mode or may not fully understand the IT security measures you have implemented. Result? Your computer network is poorly secured, exposing your business to increased risks of malicious intrusions, fraud or data theft.

Hackers often primarily attack SMEs. “Hackers” will more easily access your network if it is vulnerable. This is why, as a manager, you must establish a precise IT hygiene policy to properly protect your company’s data and electronic equipment. Otherwise, in the event of data theft, fraud or intrusion into your computer system, the financial and logistical consequences can be serious!

Here are three best practices to follow to avoid unfortunate consequences.

Make your employees aware

The main IT security vulnerability in an SME comes from internally, directly from employees. To reduce the risks of viruses, fraud, intrusion or cyberattacks, implement strict rules for sound electronic management. Employees must be well aware and understand the consequences of a computer attack. In addition, make sure that they develop good

“digital hygiene” concerning in particular:

  • Practices for downloading applications and installing new software: it is essential that any download of external programs and software on the company-owned equipment is approved in advance by an IT security specialist.
  • Methods of remote access to the computer network: among other things, educate your employees to completely disconnect from the VPN network before taking several days off for the holiday season.
  • Choosing secure passwords: ideally, your employees should change their master passwords before closing their computer for the vacation period.
  • Fraudulent emails and phishing: educate your employees to report any suspicious messages to an IT security specialist.

Secure your computer network

In these times of pandemic and upcoming Christmas holidays, you have probably increased the number of devices connected to your company network to allow employees to telework. These numerous remote connections further expose your company to cyber malware and computer attacks. Your network must remain waterproof to protect your company’s sensitive data and confidential files. Your essential access should be distributed to only a few people in the

company and require rigorous personal authentication. Here are some tips:

  • Equip laptops, tablets and smartphones with effective anti-malware software and keep it up to date;
  • Establish strict rules regarding the management of unwanted emails (spam);
  • Equip yourself with a firewall and a proxy to protect Web connections;
  • Protect your local network, Wi-Fi access and electronic messaging system (emails);
  • Raise awareness among your partners, customers and suppliers about cyberattacks.

Opt for cloud backup

This time of year is more conducive to weather storms, therefore loss of electrical power and computer system failures. Companies, particularly SMEs, must now make their IT infrastructures, applications and main data accessible remotely to their employees, as well as to their partners, customers and suppliers. Opting for a cloud data backup solution will allow your business to:

  • Secure your systems, data and IT infrastructure;
  • Have anywhere access to your files, documents and business data;
  • No longer have to work on slow servers that waste your time;
  • Make savings by reducing your IT infrastructure purchasing costs;
  • Obtain automatic and complete hourly backups;
  • To regain access to all your files, folders and documents in the event of equipment breakdown.

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