Best Technical Security Practices
We install firewalls, antivirus, vpn and internet security software to make our systems secure, but all it takes is one click on a link to bypass all that security.We think the security threats to our computers and other technical items are from outside, from the internet, but the greatest and most overlooked threat is from inside.
- Have a plan for "when" disasters occur. What if the computer breaks? What if there is a fire or natural disaster? What if....?
- Be suspicious of emails and downloads.
If you think it is fake don't open it.
If it looks suspicious don't open it.
If it has attachments that are unexpected don't open it. - Keep your computer, modem, and security software up-to-date.
- Yes, you've heard this one before: use secure passwords.
- Passwords that contain words, names or sequential numbers or letters are not secure.
- A good rule of thumb is to use at least eight characters including upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols.
- Change passwords every six months to a year.
- Use diffent passwords for different accounts, and do not reuse passwords.
- Don't forget to set and change passwords on your internet routers.
- Use a VPN and encryption, especially on public wifi, to help secure your connections and information.
- Backup your data. I do not recommend constant syncronizing of files on a computer with a backup system.
- Stay regularly informed about security risks.
- Securly delete and wipe data from computers before recycling.