Maintaining security on the Internet, when using devices connected to the network, is essential to prevent cyber attacks. Especially you have to be prepared when there is a major change or we are going to use equipment that we have not used for a long time. Going back to the office , for example, presents certain risks if we do not take the appropriate measures. For this reason, in this article we are going to give some recommendations.
Tips to avoid security attacks around the office
Whether you return to the office after the holidays, or if you rejoin after months teleworking due to the pandemic, it is important that you take into account certain tips to avoid security problems . Your personal data, as well as that of the company itself, may be in danger if you make mistakes or use equipment that is not properly prepared.
Check that all equipment is up to date
The first and most important thing is to check that all equipment is up to date . If you have been months without going to the office and have worked from home, most likely that equipment is outdated and has obsolete programs and systems. Even if you’ve only been away for a few weeks on vacation.
It is important to have the operating system with the latest version, the updated programs and all the patches installed. This will allow us to correct certain errors that can be exploited by attackers and intruders.
Check the security of passwords
It is also very important to review the security of the passwords . We must always use keys that are strong and complex, which allow us to act as a strong barrier to avoid intruders. But of course, perhaps you have not used the keys of those devices or of the different online accounts for a long time.
It would be best to change the passwords for all systems and applications. This is something that should be done periodically, especially when you have been using the same keys for a long time and there may have been a security leak and they become obsolete.
Check network security
Is the network protected properly? This is going to be essential. We are talking, for example, about checking Wi-Fi security and checking that it uses a good password and encryption. We must avoid that the Wi-Fi encryption is old, such as WEP, and use newer ones such as WPA-2 or WPA-3.
This also includes the programs we use to keep the network protected. For example we can use a firewall that can block insecure connections.
Be careful with the applications that you have used this time
During this time away from the office, you may have used new programs to be able to remotely access computers or to stay in contact with co-workers. For example, the use of applications like Zoom has increased a lot to make video calls. It is important to use messaging programs safely.
Maybe you have stopped using certain programs that were basic before and now you have used different ones. Both in the case of new programs and those that have not been used for a long time, it is important that you keep a control and that they do not represent any security risk. For example, that they are up-to-date and well configured.
In short, these are some important points that we must take into account so that the return to the office is as safe as possible. It is essential to have the computers protected and also any program or account that we use.