Regularly back up your data.
This is important for multiple reasons. For starters, establish a backup system and keep it up and running just in case there is a disaster that compromises your company’s most crucial information. It’s also good to have data backed up in case of a lost or stolen laptop. As we stated above, a situation may arise where you need to erase your hard drive and if you haven’t backed up your stored information, you’ll lose it forever. Most backup systems have automatic settings in place, so your employees won’t have to remember to initiate backups and your company won’t have to worry about losing data.
Install and upgrade antivirus software.
Most viruses and malicious applications are designed specifically to steal information. For a company, that means hackers are going after credit card and account numbers as well as contact information and passwords for employees and customers alike. The first you step you must take to combat these potential risks is to install a fully featured antivirus software suite and to keep laptops constantly updated. It’s a good idea to use the identical program on every laptop in your company and find one with a centralized console or portal, so your IT department can easily monitor and administer it.
Buy a case to protect internal components and prevent damage to your hard drive.
This may seem like common sense, but a solid laptop case is actually the first line of defense in preventing data loss. Depending on expected work environments, you should invest in cases built with extra padding to protect the internal components of your laptop if dropped and weather-resistant materials for potentially harsh conditions. Many laptops are built to be tough on the outside, but the hard drive, motherboard, and other similar parts are still fragile.
When there’s a choice between wired and wireless Internet connectivity, use wired.
Wireless networks can be dangerous, especially in public locations, because you never know who has access to the same network you’re connected to. In fact, someone could simply drive by a coffee shop with free Wi-Fi, connect to the network, and steal information without anyone knowing. So connect to a wired network if at all possible. and if you must connect to a wireless network use one that is private and secure.
Install a program that will lock or “brick” your computer in case of theft.
Sometimes it’s nearly impossible to prevent your laptop from being stolen. And even though it is a worst-case scenario, you should have a plan in place for how to handle this situation if it does occur. Many antivirus suites include features that will lock the contents of your laptop or render your laptop unusable, but there are also standalone programs available that will do this or even erase the contents of your hard drive as a last resort. The ability to remotely secure your lost or stolen laptop can prevent sensitive information, such as stored passwords, from falling into the wrong hands.
Strengthen your passwords for your laptop and applications.
Almost every application, whether it’s a program installed on your laptop or a Web-based program, requires that you set up a password. But if you use an identical password for every app or don’t go out of your way to make them more complicated than “12345” then it may still be relatively easy for hackers to discover it an infiltrate your personal data. Add a mixture of letters and numbers and use capital and lowercase characters. Some experts even suggest using three ordinary words in an unusual combination. If you’re worried about forgetting your passwords, there are multiple programs available than can safely store them for you.
Don’t store private network documents on your hard drive and use an encrypted private network to access work files.
There may be times when you need to work on company documents while away from the office. Try to avoid storing sensitive shared documents on your hard drive because that is the first location that viruses will attack and the target for most hackers and thieves. A better alternative is to set up a private company network that employees can safely access from outside the company with a password. This ensures all files are in one safe location rather than stored on multiple machines.
When using a wireless hotspot, make sure it’s secure.
In the event that you must use a wireless network connection and no secure Wi-Fi networks are available, you may opt for a wireless hotspot. Wi-Fi hotspots are great for connecting to the Internet via a mobile network, but you should always make sure they are secure before using them. For instance, look for hotspots with built- in WPA/WPA2, authentication, and other security features that prevent unapproved outside access.
Don’t leave your laptop unattended; or if you must, consider a keyed lock system.
Whether you’re at a coffee shop, airport, or other public spot, there could be opportunistic people just waiting to grab an unattended laptop. If you must leave your laptop somewhere for any period of time, you may want to invest in a laptop lock that prevents people from running off with your computer. Laptop locks can either be combination or keyed and work almost like bike locks to attach your computer to a desk or pole.
Don’t email sensitive information and ensure all messages are encrypted.
The best way to avoid leaking information via email is to never send passwords, payment information, or other data unless you have solid encryption and security in place. A lot can happen during the email transmission process and you can’t be sure what security measures the email receiver uses; so you should have the best possible encryption solution working on your end if you absolutely have to send this information via email.
This is important for multiple reasons. For starters, establish a backup system and keep it up and running just in case there is a disaster that compromises your company’s most crucial information. It’s also good to have data backed up in case of a lost or stolen laptop. As we stated above, a situation may arise where you need to erase your hard drive and if you haven’t backed up your stored information, you’ll lose it forever. Most backup systems have automatic settings in place, so your employees won’t have to remember to initiate backups and your company won’t have to worry about losing data.
Install and upgrade antivirus software.
Most viruses and malicious applications are designed specifically to steal information. For a company, that means hackers are going after credit card and account numbers as well as contact information and passwords for employees and customers alike. The first you step you must take to combat these potential risks is to install a fully featured antivirus software suite and to keep laptops constantly updated. It’s a good idea to use the identical program on every laptop in your company and find one with a centralized console or portal, so your IT department can easily monitor and administer it.
Buy a case to protect internal components and prevent damage to your hard drive.
This may seem like common sense, but a solid laptop case is actually the first line of defense in preventing data loss. Depending on expected work environments, you should invest in cases built with extra padding to protect the internal components of your laptop if dropped and weather-resistant materials for potentially harsh conditions. Many laptops are built to be tough on the outside, but the hard drive, motherboard, and other similar parts are still fragile.
When there’s a choice between wired and wireless Internet connectivity, use wired.
Wireless networks can be dangerous, especially in public locations, because you never know who has access to the same network you’re connected to. In fact, someone could simply drive by a coffee shop with free Wi-Fi, connect to the network, and steal information without anyone knowing. So connect to a wired network if at all possible. and if you must connect to a wireless network use one that is private and secure.
Install a program that will lock or “brick” your computer in case of theft.
Sometimes it’s nearly impossible to prevent your laptop from being stolen. And even though it is a worst-case scenario, you should have a plan in place for how to handle this situation if it does occur. Many antivirus suites include features that will lock the contents of your laptop or render your laptop unusable, but there are also standalone programs available that will do this or even erase the contents of your hard drive as a last resort. The ability to remotely secure your lost or stolen laptop can prevent sensitive information, such as stored passwords, from falling into the wrong hands.
Strengthen your passwords for your laptop and applications.
Almost every application, whether it’s a program installed on your laptop or a Web-based program, requires that you set up a password. But if you use an identical password for every app or don’t go out of your way to make them more complicated than “12345” then it may still be relatively easy for hackers to discover it an infiltrate your personal data. Add a mixture of letters and numbers and use capital and lowercase characters. Some experts even suggest using three ordinary words in an unusual combination. If you’re worried about forgetting your passwords, there are multiple programs available than can safely store them for you.
Don’t store private network documents on your hard drive and use an encrypted private network to access work files.
There may be times when you need to work on company documents while away from the office. Try to avoid storing sensitive shared documents on your hard drive because that is the first location that viruses will attack and the target for most hackers and thieves. A better alternative is to set up a private company network that employees can safely access from outside the company with a password. This ensures all files are in one safe location rather than stored on multiple machines.
When using a wireless hotspot, make sure it’s secure.
In the event that you must use a wireless network connection and no secure Wi-Fi networks are available, you may opt for a wireless hotspot. Wi-Fi hotspots are great for connecting to the Internet via a mobile network, but you should always make sure they are secure before using them. For instance, look for hotspots with built- in WPA/WPA2, authentication, and other security features that prevent unapproved outside access.
Don’t leave your laptop unattended; or if you must, consider a keyed lock system.
Whether you’re at a coffee shop, airport, or other public spot, there could be opportunistic people just waiting to grab an unattended laptop. If you must leave your laptop somewhere for any period of time, you may want to invest in a laptop lock that prevents people from running off with your computer. Laptop locks can either be combination or keyed and work almost like bike locks to attach your computer to a desk or pole.
Don’t email sensitive information and ensure all messages are encrypted.
The best way to avoid leaking information via email is to never send passwords, payment information, or other data unless you have solid encryption and security in place. A lot can happen during the email transmission process and you can’t be sure what security measures the email receiver uses; so you should have the best possible encryption solution working on your end if you absolutely have to send this information via email.
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