As the world reopens, many employees are returning to offices around the world. However, a lot of companies are still encouraging employees to work from home. Regardless of where your employees work, they need to know how to keep themselves safe on the internet during the working day.
Even though there are more risks online nowadays, there are ways to stay safe. Here are some valuable tips that can help your employees protect themselves from cybersecurity threats both in and outside the workplace.
- Install antivirus software
Most companies have strong antivirus firewalls in place to protect their networks from aggressive virus software like trojans. However, if your employees are working from home, they may be carrying out tasks online without any form of virus protection.
Installing antivirus software can help prevent employees from accessing malicious sites and stop phishing attacks. As well as this, a good antivirus can regularly scan computer systems for dangerous malware.
- Use a VPN
Like antivirus software, many large companies employ Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to encrypt their networks and keep hackers away. Several VPNs offer business solutions for small to large corporations and can even provide encrypted software for companies that operate in the cloud.Â
With a VPN, your employees can hide their online traffic from third parties, securely use work documents in the cloud or remotely access a company network using a dedicated IP address. VPNs can also ensure that your virtual meetings remain private and lower the risk of third-party hackers accessing them.
Moreover, employees can use a VPN on many devices, meaning they can access work accounts securely on their smartphone, PC, or tablet. For more information on how VPNs work and to learn about the privacy and security they offer online, check out PrivacySharks, a website that reviews the best cybersecurity software.Â
- Install an ad-blocker
Adware is a common occurrence online; not only can it be dangerous, but it can severely slow down browser speeds and page loads, causing your employees to lose vital time at work. By installing ad-blocking software, your employees can avoid the risks attached to ads and more easily carry out online tasks.
- Encrypted email systems
If the level of emails your employees send to one another has increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, then you need to invest in an email encryption program. Company emails often contain a lot of sensitive information and can be very easily intercepted, which can cause confidential details to leak.
When using email encryption software, this ensures that your emails are secured end-to-end and are only viewable by your company’s employees.Â
- Password managers
A helpful tool for business and personal use is a password manager. Password managers store all passwords in an encrypted area, ensuring that your employees never forget them.Â
This means that passwords for business accounts are kept in a safe place, and employees don’t need to remember multiple passwords linked to their work email accounts or store them in an unprotected area.Â
By employing all, or a few, of the tips above, you can increase your employees’ security online tenfold. Don’t accept the risks, and make sure to take steps to improve the online safety of everyone working in your company.