Mobile phones, laptops, and tablets have become indispensable parts of modern business. With the rise of remote work, these devices have become essential tools for employees to stay productive and connected to their work. However, as helpful as these devices may be, they pose a significant security risk to companies. Unfortunately, many businesses fail to train employees to secure their work devices. This article will discuss five essential security practices that employees need to know to help keep company data safe.

1. Network Connection Security The first and most crucial security practice that employees need to know is securing their network connections. Instructing employees not to use Bluetooth connections on their work devices is essential as they are easy for hackers to break into. Moreover, private Wi-Fi networks have proven to be easy to hack, so employees working from home should use a WPA2 encryption method to secure their Wi-Fi connection. No matter where employees work, ensure the network connection is secure.

    

2. Device Access Security The second security practice that employees must follow is to avoid connecting work devices to public internet hotspots such as coffee shops or airports. If employees work in public places, ensure that they use a secure network and that there is no visual access to the device from the public network. Instruct employees never to leave a device unattended or allow friends or family to use a company device.

    

3. Password Security The third security practice that employees must follow is password security. Encourage employees to keep their passwords private and to change them frequently. Passwords should be changed at least every three months, but changing them more often is better. It is also recommended to use different passwords on multiple accounts. Employers should instruct their employees to use different passwords than the ones they use in their accounts, as personal passwords are often vulnerable and easy to hack.

    

4. Monitor Software The fourth security practice that employees need to follow is to monitor the software on their devices. All applications and software downloaded and installed on any work device should be monitored. Some software may have security holes that can make a network vulnerable to cybercriminals. Employees should be given a list of software deemed acceptable to download on their work devices. Employees should avoid downloading any unnecessary software to their work devices whenever possible.

    

5. Spam The fifth security practice that employees need to follow is to be aware of spam emails. It is easy for cybercriminals to send employees spam that appears to come from within the organization. Encourage employees to check the sending address of any suspicious company emails. In addition, extra care should be taken when opening any email from an outside organization. Employees should be wary of clicking on any links within an unknown email.

In conclusion, data security is critical for any business, and employees play a vital role in ensuring that company data is safe. The majority of businesses that experience data loss will never recover. While it is important to remember that no business is ever 100% safe from cybercriminals, following these five tips is an excellent way to increase security within any organization. It is up to every employer to train its employees on the best security precautions for their business. By implementing these practices and training employees on their importance, companies can protect their data from malicious attacks and minimize the risk of a devastating data breach.