How Can We Keep Our Work Computers From Being Hacked?

Good question! Let’s start with why it is important to protect our systems. The spectrum of consequences from a successful attack on your computer runs from your laptop being down for a few days and you loosing work, to your computer being the jumping off point for the hacker to steal critical organizational data or perform a ransomware attack. The question you should ask yourself is, how would you feel if you caused your organization to lose all of its data?

Here are some tips:

1. Install the new updates for all your software when the vendors release them. Next, you’ll need to run a good quality anti-virus software and keep it up to date. Also make sure your local operating system firewall is active.
2. Do not visit risky websites. Examples would be gambling, hacking, hate, or sexually explicit sites.
3. Do not download software that you cannot verify is safe. First, you’ll want to make sure it is from a source you trust. Then, you can find the option to scan it with your anti-virus by downloading the file, going to the directory, and right mouse clicking on it. If you’re not able to do this, do not download it!
4. Always click the log off button on websites when you are done using them. Websites download cookie tokens to your computer to keep your session open. If you close the tab instead of logging out, the web site thinks you are still logged in and that token is still valid, which can be stolen by the hackers to access that site.
5. As always, be on the lookout for phishing emails and never click on links in them – be sure to type in the real address yourself.

With these simple steps you can greatly reduce the chance of falling victim to an attack.