Four Simple Ways to Increase End-User Security Data security does not fall on the shoulders of IT professionals. An honest mistake by an end user can cause security breaches in networks. Smart companies pay attention to information security training. Even though you might not have the budget to provide security training classes, users can benefit from basic information that will protect them and your company from being hacked. These are some of our recommendations for you to share with your end users. What’s at stake? Data breaches can cost productivity and money. Data breaches average $12.7 million. After a security breach, an average company needs to recover within 45 days. Hackers aren’t limited to stealing corporate secrets. Hacking could result in employees’ personal information and communications being exposed. Learn how to become a security expert with SPOTO Start training Passwords: Eighty percent of security breaches were caused by weak administrative passwords. Never share login credentials with family, coworkers, or anyone who claims to be from IT. Always use a different password on every website. You can use a passphrase like “Ketchup is a worst relish” or a password service such as LastPass if you have trouble remembering passwords. Browsing/Surfing Don’t send any private information over public WiFi. Scope links by moving the mouse pointer over a link in order to see its destination. This is done in the bottom left corner. It’s displayed above the link in Outlook. Email Never email sensitive information to anyone, even yourself. Even if the request or attachment appears to be from trusted sources, always be suspicious. Phishing scams can be disguised in many ways, including online purchases, bank notifications, photo attachments and shipping notices. Your phone is also vulnerable. Mobile users are only half as likely to take basic security precautions for their devices. Never leave your phone or laptop unattended in public places. IT should be notified immediately if any company devices are lost or stolen. Keep your devices up to date and install anti-virus and malware software. Download