Breaking bad habits is hard – but not as hard as creating new ones.
Let’s talk about 6 common bad habits that we come across all the time:
IS YOUR COMPUTER LOCKED?
Bad habit 1: Leaving your computer unlocked and unattended
With the slip of a USB stick, bad actors can corrupt files or steal information. This applies at coffee shops and even the office. Anytime you leave it, lock it!
Good habit: now that you know locking your computer is beneficial, you can set up automatic lock in Windows or Mac. With auto lock, you can set your computer to lock after 15 minutes. When you return, you can unlock it by entering your password. This will ensure that no one else is able to access your system without authorization.
ARE YOU *ACTUALLY* CREATING STRONG PASSWORDS?
Bad habit 2: Using weak passwords
Short, common, old, default, and guessable passwords can have serious consequences. Consider utilizing a password manager to help you create, change out, and remember your unique logins. And don’t forget to turn on multifactor authentication (MFA) options!
Good habit: install a password manager application to secure your passwords on your computer and smartphone. Most of these types of applications will also automatically fill in complex and secure passwords for you. Furthermore, they can automatically log you into websites, without having to search or enter passwords manually. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you lived with out it.
Click here for a free password manager.
ARE YOU KEEPING YOUR PERSONAL + WORK LIFE SEPARATE ON YOUR DEVICES?
Bad habit 4: Using company equipment for personal use
More than half of us are guilty of it – especially if you work from home. A personal text or email may not seem like a big deal, but the consequences are real. Risks are even higher when online shopping or downloading non-company software.
If you do nothing else, delete personal data from your work machine and stop storing sensitive company info on your personal devices.
Good habit: implement a company policy to supply and use corporate devices for business data only. Do not install unauthorized non-business software. Keep your system clean and secure with business applications and data. Do not use your business computer for personal use. The risk is not worth it. Instead, have a separate device for personal use.
ARE YOU STAYING VIGILANT ABOUT EMAILS?
Bad habit 5: Getting too comfortable in your inbox
At least 90% of company-side cyber attacks come from a malicious email. Don’t let your guard slip. Take a moment to examine the “from” address in every email that hits your inbox, along with checking for suspicious links. (Yes, even if you know the sender!)
Good habit: don’t recognize the sender, do not open suspicious emails. Implement email security software to filter malicious and phishing emails.
HAVE YOU RESEARCHED CYBERSECURITY LATELY?
Bad habit 6: Letting your cybersecurity knowledge stagnate
Cybersecurity best practices change daily. Don’t assume you know everything: Keep yourself educated.
Good habit: implement a cybersecurity training program to educate everyone in your organization. An ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure.
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