Surfing securely - companies should be aware of these protective functions

Security plays a major role in the digital world. There are an incredible number of cyber criminals who try to obtain personal data and enrich themselves at the expense of others. That is why it is important to take all measures, to protect yourself from attacks in the digital world. This article explains what options and tools are available for this and what users should pay attention to in detail.

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Mobile devices in particular require a variety of digital protection measures.

Use an up-to-date firewall

An up-to-date firewall is a fundamental security function. Some companies still tend to install a firewall once and assume that it will permanently ensure the security of their operations. Unfortunately, this does not work. There are always new malware from viruses and Trojans to spywarethat hackers and cybercriminals use. It is therefore important to keep the security functions up to date and ensure that they are aware of the new threats associated with the Digitization and can deal with them.

The firewall should therefore be updated at regular intervals. This includes on the one hand download the latest updatesto install and use. On the other hand, the current firewall should always be put to the test. Its functions may have been ideal for the company at a certain point in time, but they may no longer be. After all, a company continues to develop and new needs arise that sometimes cannot be met by old software. It is therefore sometimes necessary to select, implement and use completely new tools.

Rely on VPN

The mobile Internet is playing an important role in more and more areas of society. In our private lives, we are on the move with our smartphones, to communicate, research and use entertainment media. In the business environment, virtual devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops are used to hold meetings directly with customers, go on business trips or take part in trade fairs. In all these cases, it is necessary to go online outside the internal network and use public Wi-Fi, for example.

As it is never possible to say what security precautions have been taken for public Internet access, users should take care of their own security. This is possible via a VPN possible without further ado. For example, it is possible to use a virtual private network, disguise your own IP address. In this way, cyber criminals cannot track the data activities and have difficulties pursuing their malicious activities. A VPN also makes it possible to access services abroad, for example, that are actually restricted to the home country. This allows employees to remain flexible and use company data globally.

Tools for encrypted communication

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Encryption plays a major role in online communication.

Encryption is important for companies these days. This is especially true when personal or confidential data is to be exchanged. Encryption offers good protection in email communication in particular, but is still used far too rarely. Regardless of the provider, the possibility exists, to provide your own messages with encryption and thus ensure that only selected people receive the messages.

Nowadays, however, communication is no longer limited to emails. With messengers, video telephony and social networks, there are many other communication channelswhich are important in the private and business environment. It is therefore particularly important to secure and encrypt the mobile devices used to access such services. The better the company data and communication channels are secured, the lower the risk of valuable data being lost or cyber criminals gaining access to the company system.

Some dangers emanate from the users

Often, it is not defective technology that poses a threat to a company, but its users, who make mistakes or use the relevant technologies incorrectly. A well-known example is spam emails containing links that can be used to introduce malware into a system. Many employees are still unaware of this danger and click on links contained in suspicious emails.

A company's technical equipment is therefore only one aspect of securing company data. On the other hand, it is equally important to offer regular training and further education. Here, employees should familiarized with the specific dangers lurking in their respective working environments. It is crucial that the individual courses are practical and directly related to the work of the respective company. In this way, employees familiarize themselves with the possible safety precautions and tools and apply them naturally in their day-to-day work.

2-way authentication for online banking

Online banking is now standard for companies. Regardless of whether raw materials are being purchased, employees paid or external service providers ordered, All transactions are usually carried out online. It is important to carry out a precise comparison of the different banks and credit institutions. This allows you to avoid costs on the one hand and find solutions that are best tailored to your own business and personal objectives on the other.

One particularly important feature is 2-way authentication for online banking. Here Different channels and methods is used to log in to banking and confirm your identity. This is much more secure than if only one method is used to log in. For example, if the bank card is stolen or lost, there is hardly any risk of third parties gaining unauthorized access to the account.

Appoint a safety officer

The issue of safety should be at the center of all corporate management considerations and not just somehow thought through become. It is therefore advisable to nominate a specific employee who is responsible for the Security of company dataThe security officer is responsible for the security of the operating processes and the workforce. This person regularly checks, for example, whether the current technology is still up to date, whether the software has been regularly updated and whether the staff are familiar with the security aspects relevant to their area of work. In addition, employees have a specific contact person to whom they can turn for competent help with security issues and problems.

Conclusion

There are numerous tools and aids that increase the security of a company both internally and online. It is important to for individual requirements to select and implement the best solutions. These should not be taken for granted, but should be regularly put to the test. It is also crucial to train the workforce and prepare them to use the new solutions. Those who do this can reliably protect themselves against hacker attacks and cyber criminals and actively drive and support the company's success.