Most business owners treat their office computers like breakroom microwaves: they expect them to work until they physically stop turning on. It’s a logical approach for a toaster, but in the professional world, a computer becomes "old" long before it actually breaks.
With automated threats on the rise and taking over the cyberthreat landscape, you need as many ways to stay safe online as possible. Naturally, one of the most talked about topics is login security. There’s a lot of good password advice out there, but the most helpful piece isn’t repeated often enough: just make it longer.
With smartphones as accessible as they are, it’s no small wonder how company-only policies have all but faded into obscurity in the workplace. Whether you allow it or not, you can bet that your team is using their smartphones to get work done, whether it’s checking email from their couch or sending you a quick DM. In other words, you need a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, as it is practically the new accepted standard.
When the time comes to upgrade any of your business tech, it makes sense that most of your attention would be on maximizing the value you get out of your new hardware. However, it is critical that you also continue to think about your discarded hardware… specifically, the data it contains.
In short, deleting files simply isn’t enough. You need to be confident that any information is truly purged or physically destroyed when you’re replacing your hardware.
Modern gadgets make running a business easier. From smart thermostats and lightbulbs to connected coffee machines, the Internet of Things (IoT) brings a lot of convenience to the workplace. However, because these devices are built for speed and low cost, they often skip the security features your business actually needs.
Essentially every smart device in your office is a potential digital back door for hackers. Let’s take a look at how IoT—as helpful as it can be—can also be a big problem.
