Guest post by Matthew Stern of TechFools
The coronavirus pandemic, which took the world by surprise, has forced many companies in the world including New Zealand to take up remote work. Firms in sectors like IT, Finance, and Education have moved a significant portion of their business data to cloud networks. There is, however, a significant factor that is blocking this seamless transition to remote work: cyber-threats.
Cybercriminals have recently stepped up efforts in a bid to gain access to more data and money. In response to this, New Zealand’s National Cybersecurity Centre has urged companies to boost their cybersecurity levels.
According to the Computer Emergency Response Team, at least 1.3 million New Zealanders were victims of cybercrime in 2019, with NZ$ 16.7 million lost. Organizations in the country have also lost about NZ$40 million in 2020. Despite this, research conducted by Unisys has shown that only 22% of Kiwis are worried about cybersecurity.
The New Zealand Police have asserted that increased cybercrime will not end with the pandemic but rather grow as economic recession sets in. These and several other points are reasons to think of your digital security as a New Zealander. To prevent your data from being stolen by cyber criminals, follow the steps below.
Pointers for an Increased Digital Security Level
- Utilize Two-Factor Verification
Two-factor verification prevents unauthorized access to your account even if your password is known. It works by requiring another layer of protection to verify if you’re the one logging in. It could require a code or biometric identification.
Activating two-factor authentication on your accounts makes sure that you possess solid defense from hackers. Having a cybercriminal steal data from your office’s online workplace using your login credentials could cause a strain between you and your boss.
- Office Data Backup
Every firm requires a backup of its information in case of a cyber-attack. Losing access to office information could cost you thousands or millions of dollars.
There are several risks related to possessing zero copies of your office data. A ransomware attack could hit your firm. Ransomware is designed to prevent access to your data with the hacker threatening to erase the information if monetary remuneration isn’t made. If a disaster happens, office data could also be lost.
You can decide to back up your data to the cloud or a hard disk in another location.
- Use a VPN
Wherever you are, when you’re connected to the internet, you’re at risk of being a victim. The chances of getting hacked also increase if your online traffic is exposed. In this case, a VPN is an effective preventive measure.
A VPN is a technology that encrypts your data during communication by creating a safe connection. It protects users from public Wi-Fi hackers that try to snoop on their information. A VPN can also protect your information from cybercriminals that want to hijack your home router.
Businesses that value data privacy often use VPNs. The tool ensures that company information is secure even when employees are accessing it outside the office. As such, it remains a much-needed tool for cybersecurity.
- Train your Employees
Cybersecurity experts consider education as the best form of preventing cyber threats. A lot of employees have no idea they’re making security mistakes while surfing the internet.
You need to educate your employees on password protection; passwords should never be shared. Safe password practices such as combining upper-case letters, symbols and numbers should be taught. Workers also need to know that viruses can be transmitted through email, and not every email should be opened.
Conclusion
The health crisis being faced around the globe has motivated hackers to step up efforts to breach accounts. New Zealanders working from home are now at increased risk of having their data stolen.
To prevent cyber criminals from breaching your privacy, educate yourself and look into the above mentioned ways to ensure your devices’ security.
Image from Pixabay.com