Make no mistake, your office’s Windows computers are under the constant threat of attack. There are a number of potential attack vectors: phishing attacks, infiltrations through your firewall, software that hasn’t been fully patched . . . the list is nearly endless. Providing aggressive protection for your Windows machines is the best way to thwart cybercriminals before they can steal sensitive customer or business data. These quick tips will get you started on the path towards proactive security, but your job doesn’t end there. Maintaining adequate security on your machines is a full-time job that requires constant attention, which is one of the reasons why managed IT services in Chicago are proving to be incredibly popular for small to mid-size businesses.
How to Keep Your Computer Secure at Work
Even while your IT department takes steps to create comprehensive security procedures, there are still steps that users can take that will help reduce the risk of a cyberattack.
- Perhaps the most important thing a user can do is create a strong password. Whether you opt for a complex phrase that includes at least 8 alpha-numeric characters or utilize a trusted password manager, this step is a non-negotiable part of security.
- Avoid free WiFi like the plague that it is. It sounds great — free WiFi! Unfortunately, any information sent over this connection can be easily re-routed by a cybercriminal. Avoid accidentally connecting to random WiFi hotspots by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, and toggle the “Connect to suggested open hotspots” option to regain control of your WiFi usage.
- Let your technology department know as soon as you find something that seems “odd” on your computer. While it may be something harmless, you may have accidentally clicked on a malware ad or email. Quick notification to your technology teams lets them immediately begin fixing the issue.
- Don’t disable your antivirus and anti-spyware software. While you might be frustrated by a weekly scan that comes at the worst possible time and locks up your system — this software is the first line of defense for your Windows machine.
- Always lock your machine when you’re walking away for a few minutes. Even in the most secure facility, someone may be wandering around who could quickly grab access to sensitive data directly from an unattended – and unlocked — computer.
- Disabling your location permission is a quick step that will reduce advertising frequency and also help protect your computer from a breach. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location and then disable permission for apps that you don’t want to allow to access your location.
- Be wary of all attachments and links that you receive via email. Even if you know the individual who sent the email, it’s beter to err on the side of caution.
How Can Managed IT Support Improve Cybersecurity?
“In an ICS environment, typical enterprise IT doesn’t work. Small maintenance windows are part of the problem. When things must run around the clock, sometimes there is just once a year where there’s enough downtime to do a security upgrade.” — Tauseef Ghazi, Principal, Security & Privacy Services, RSM, at SecureWorld Houston.
While the above steps are helpful for users to take, there is a range of additional services that a team of proactive cybersecurity specialists can provide. Overworked internal teams may not be able to handle the additional stress of researching and then implementing ongoing cybersecurity solutions. Working with an external team offers additional sets of hands for implementation as well as thought leadership and strategy. Some of the services that managed IT support firms provide include consolidated server and network security, endpoint management, disaster recovery, advanced backup procedures, firewall security, email scrubbing, asset management and more.
Managed IT Services Chicago Businesses Trust
For more than 30 years, the team at ACT Network Solutions has been providing managed IT services that Chicago businesses know and trust. Our approach brings together the best vendor partners and the latest research in technology to ensure that your business goals and objectives are met — on time and on budget. Our family-owned and operated business leaders take pride in being experts in the field of cybersecurity, and we enjoy the opportunity to share our knowledge with our clients on a regular basis.
When you are ready to take additional steps to protect your Windows computers, contact the support professionals at ACT Network Solutions today at 847-639-7000 to schedule your complimentary initial consultation. You can also connect with us by filling out a few simple fields in our online contact form to receive a quick call back.
