Dear Friends,
With the novel Coronavirus pandemic, many people are working from home and often with fewer security defenses on their home network that they would have in the office. For example, many people are using a wireless network that is not protected or network without any firewall at home. Some employees are also using home computers for company business that do not have the latest antivirus or the most recent security updates (for both the operating system and software applications).
With people under a lot of stress and distraction in the current pandemic, computer security or protecting the company data is the last thing on their mind. As a result, it creates conditions ripe for cyberattacks of all sorts. The pressing threat has created an environment for scammers, hackers, and spammers. Major IT news outlets are reporting an uptick in ransomware attacks that are disrupting businesses all over the world.
eSudo would like to share ways and information to help protect you and your company from cyberattacks:
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- Computer Updates – Keep your computer’s software updated with the latest security. For example, run Windows Updates, MacOS updates and install the most current software version of VPN client and the latest updated Chrome web browser.
- Anti-Virus – Have anti-virus installed and running on your computer with recommended daily updates and scans.
- Unfamiliar Emails – Do not click on email links or open attachments from anyone you do not know.
- Multi-Factor Authentication – Use multi-factor authentication or two-step verification for your email or online accounts. This security feature verifies “is it you” trying to access my account? For example, set up two-step authentication for your Office 365 or Google Apps when you logon to access email or on-line storage such as OneDrive or G-drive. Two-step authentication is what your online banking systems use – you must enter a username, password and one-time code or text message code to complete the log on process.
- For Office 365, here is the step-by-step Setup Instruction Guide for 2-step verification:
https://support.office.com/en-us/article/set-up-2-step-verification-for-office-365-ace1d096-61e5-449b-a875-58eb3d74de14 - For Google Apps or G-suite, here is the step-by-step Setup Instruction Guide for 2-Step verification:
https://support.google.com/a/answer/9176657?hl=en
- For Office 365, here is the step-by-step Setup Instruction Guide for 2-step verification:
- Phishing Emails and Phone Scams – Train your employees on how to detect potential phishing emails and phone scams.
- Cyber-Security Insurance – get cyber-security insurance coverage for your business and protect against cyber-attack and ransomware.
- Be Careful When Using Public WiFi for Conducting your Business – Using public WiFi or hotspots can be very risky activity because you do not control the WiFi device or the firewall you are going through.
You should consider the following safeguards when using Public WiFi…..
Use VPN, SSL Connection and Turn Off Sharing on your computer if you must use public WiFi.
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- Use the Company’s latest VPN client version for SonicWALL SSL VPN or Global VPN, Fortinet and Cisco VPN client to connect to your office.
- When using a web browser, confirm you are using the security protocol SSL connection. For example, in a Chrome web browser, it should have a SSL lock pad icon on display in the URL bar (see snapshot listed below). Open your browser to the URL: https://support.google.com/a/answer/9176657?hl=en. If you get a warning, contact your IT support or be very careful because you proceed.
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8. Software Applications – Keep corporate-wide applications or software versions up-to-date or use only the vendor support release. For example, do not use an old version of Microsoft Office or QuickBooks that is no longer supported by the software company. They will not have the latest security updates/patches available anymore.
You can download a free network audio report to learn about how to protect your business at the following link:
http://esudo.com/free-stuff/avoid-five-computer-disasters/
If you like to learn how we can help, including a cyber-security package that includes insurance for ransomware and employee security training, contact us at http://esudo.com for free security asessments.
Thank you and safe computing,
Matthew Kaing | www.eSudo.com | 408-216-5800
eSudo Technology Solutions