4 Safety Nets to Prevent Staff Compromising IT Security

Smart businesses invest heavily in IT security, but that doesn’t just mean upgrading to the latest systems. People often forget that one of the biggest potential security risks comes from their own staff. All it takes is a small lapse in judgement for a team member to compromise your security, but there are several safety nets you can utilize to prevent their mistakes causing you problems.

Here are just four.

1. 2 Factor Authentication

Many systems are only protected by a password. This is a 1 factor authentication system. Instead, consider opting for a 2 factor authentication system, such as a code that needs to be used to gain access to your network. You might perceive this as inconvenient, but it provides an important second line of defence. Staff members will often practice poor password security, so 2 factor authentication is a good idea.

2. Monitor Access

Staff should only be allowed to access the parts of your network that are required for their role, and you should have some system in place that tracks when access is granted, what files are opened, and whether anyone has tried to access areas they have not been given permission to access. This prevents any deliberate security breaches, and it stops any accidental breaches from laying your entire network open and unguarded.

3. Install VPNs

VPN stands for ‘virtual private network’. They help your network remain secure and private by essentially sectioning it off from the internet as a whole. You can obviously still send and receive data, but you’ll also be able to maintain your own private network. A VPN is ideal for businesses that let staff members work from personal or business devices away from the office.

4. Practice Good Password Procedures

Even with all these safety nets in place, the best thing you can do from a security point of view is to train staff to practice good password rules. The fact is that most employees don’t understand or appreciate the impact that their password behaviour can have on your business. Most will resist the push to use a complicated password or maintain different passwords for separate accounts, but doing so is extremely important. Make sure you educate and enforce.