SEVENC | Cyberbullying and Cybersecurity: Tips For Protecting Your Business, Employees and Your Children
SevenC, a leading IT infrastructure and network service provider striving to identify and make available the best possible ICT strategies for its clients’ unique needs, provides tips on protecting your business, employees, and children from cybersecurity threats and cyberbullying.
Cybercrime can impact anyone, from sole proprietorships to multinational companies. All businesses must take fundamental precautions to safeguard themselves and their clients online.
“As technology techniques for thwarting cybercriminals become more sophisticated, cybercriminals view humans as the weakest link. Meaning: staff who are vigilant and well-trained are more vital than ever for business cybersecurity,” says Graeme Millar, managing director of SevenC Computing.
“The human component is tremendously significant. It is essential to acknowledge that while firewalls and antivirus software are essential, they cannot be solely dependable to keep hackers out of your network.”
Follow these techniques from SevenC to lessen cyber threats to your business and employees:
Establish Policies For Protecting Sensitive Business Data
IT department training and e-mail reminders are insufficient to keep good cyber practices in employees’ minds. To reinforce security best practices, Millar suggests implementing a policy mandating that no employee may use a business computer without first receiving security training.
Maintain The Physical Security Of Business And Personal Devices
Encourage personnel to lock all exterior doors and server rooms and deny strangers unwanted access. It is considerably more straightforward for hackers to infiltrate a network if they can enter the firm and use a terminal. It is crucial to ensure that no one breaches your physical security.
Set Up A VPN
A VPN system provides an encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic to flow over, preventing third parties from viewing it. Setting up a virtual private network (VPN) may appear daunting, but it takes a few hours and can easily be set up by SevenC. Utilising a VPN with multifactor authentication is the most secure option.
Secure Networks Must Use Encryption And Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
Private, password-protected networks are substantially more secure than public Wi-Fi networks. Remind your staff that they can always inquire about private password-protected networks when working remotely in locations that offer public Wi-Fi.
Back-Up Data
Regularly back up and encrypt your organisation’s essential data depending on the significance of the data. Secure backups are the greatest way to prevent ransomware from causing crucial business disruptions.
Protect Devices Used By Employees And Third Parties With A Password
All employees must use robust passwords, including letters, numbers, and unusual characters. Remind staff to avoid reusing passwords across different devices and accounts.
Maintain Antivirus And Malware Protection Software
Remind staff to install and update appropriate security software on all remote-working electronic devices. This could be a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, etc. Some firms are removing BYOD (bring your own device) policies and requiring employees to use solely employer-supplied equipment and devices.
Power Down
Encourage employees to turn off their laptops when they are not in use. Offline computers are inaccessible and immune to internet-based threats and intrusions.
Protect Your Children From Cyberattacks And Cyberbullying
In addition to protecting your workforce from cyberattacks, it’s vital to protect your children against cybersecurity incidents and cyberbullying.
“Due to the proliferation of linked gadgets and the ever-expanding Internet of Things, cyberbullying is a much more serious problem than it was even a decade ago. Children, tweens, and teens are spending increasing time online: 92% of children are now using the Internet daily, and over a quarter report being constantly signed in,” adds Millar.
“Not only do these so-called hyper-networking children, tweens and teens share more personal information on their social media sites than their peers, but they also have a 110% higher risk of cyberbullying.”
While it may be tempting for parents to consider taking severe measures to prevent the unthinkable, completely disconnecting children from social media does not prepare them for adulthood. Instead of seeking to hide children from all online dangers, Millar suggests we leverage the popularity of social media to teach them healthy relationships and communication skills – both online and offline.
Follow these tips from SevenC to help protect your children from cyberbullying:
Establish Healthy Technological Boundaries
As soon as children gain access to electronic devices, impose restrictions and permits on their technology use. Setting realistic limitations early on can prevent children from being overly dependent on their computers and mobile devices in the future and fosters the development of a healthy sense of self-independent from their digital identity. This makes it easier for children to withdraw from harmful or unsafe internet interactions.
Look For Teachable Situations And Be Willing To Learn Alongside Your Children
Talk to your child about cyberbullying, privacy, and other online concerns when appropriate. Use these instances as conversation starters to discuss what is and is not acceptable online and what you and your child can do in an uncomfortable circumstance. Ask your child how they would react to particular situations, and get their input on how you might best assist them with internet concerns. Remember that both of your reactions will likely evolve as your children become older, so continue these conversations.
Configure Their Device
Regardless of the device your child uses, there are free restrictions you can implement to prevent your child from purchasing and using particular applications, viewing specific content, or sharing certain information, such as their location.
Security Settings
Spend time exploring the privacy options together. Always assume that default settings are accessible to the public and update them accordingly.
Pseudonyms, Photos, And Passwords
Please encourage them to use a pseudonym and a profile photo of their pet or favourite band instead of themselves and to only be friends with people they know in real life. Avoid giving personal information such as their school, age, and residence. Also, remind your child that passwords should never be shared, even with close friends.