If your business uses laptops for work, protecting your device (and your company) from potential threats should not be taken lightly. In this guide, we’ll cover some easy tips for laptop security that you can implement to keep your work computer secure.
Without Safety Measures, Work Devices Can Be Vulnerable
Laptops are essential tools for many businesses, allowing employees to work from anywhere with an internet connection. However, this flexibility also increases the risk of potential security breaches. 1 in 10 laptops are stolen, and only 98% of stolen laptops are recovered. Not to mention 45% of healthcare data breaches occur on stolen employee laptops.
Work devices can cause cyber attacks, data theft, and other security threats if not properly secured. Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to protect your company’s data and increase your laptop security.
Use These 8 Tips to Improve Your Laptop Security
Being cautious and implementing good security habits can go a long way in protecting your work laptop.
Tip 1: Keep Your Operating System and Software Updated
Don’t ignore that update button! Software and system updates often include bug fixes and security patches that can protect against known vulnerabilities. The longer you wait to update, the longer your device is vulnerable to a weakness that cyber hackers know how to exploit.
Tip 2: Use Strong and Unique Passwords
We know, it’s tempting to use the same password for everything—especially if you’ve come up with a clever and strong one that you don’t want to change. However, weak password practices leave your laptop vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Here are our do’s and don’ts for creating strong passwords:
Do:
- Use a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (yes, all three!)
- Make it at least 12-15 characters long
- Create unique passwords for each account or device
- Download a password manager to help you keep track of all your strong and unique passwords
Don’t:
- Reuse the same password for multiple accounts or devices
- Use any personal information (important dates, family names, pet names, etc.)
- Use common words or phrases (e.g., “password” or “letmein”)
Tip 3: Encrypt Everything
Encryption is the process of encoding information in a way that only authorized parties can access it. Enabling encryption on your work laptop can protect sensitive company data, even if your device falls into the wrong hands. Most operating systems have built-in encryption capabilities, but you can also use third-party encryption software for an extra layer of security.
Tip 4: Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for All Accounts
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security method that requires users to provide an additional form of identification, such as a code sent to their phone or a biometric scan. This extra layer of laptop security makes it much harder for cybercriminals to access your accounts, even if they manage to obtain your password.
Tip 5: Be Private When in Public
If you’re working remotely or in a public place, be cautious when accessing sensitive information on your laptop. Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, as they can leave your device vulnerable to hackers and data breaches. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection.
Tip 6: Use Antivirus and Antimalware Software
Antivirus and antimalware software can help protect your laptop from viruses, malware, and other malicious threats. Make sure to regularly scan your device for any potential threats and keep your software updated.
Tip 7: Back Up Your Data Regularly
In the event of a security breach or hardware failure, having regular backups of your important data can be a lifesaver. Make sure to back up your data regularly and store it in a secure location.
Tip 8: Take Advantage of AWS Workspaces
AWS Workspaces is a cloud-based desktop service that offers secure and encrypted access to your work computer from any device. This allows you to securely access your work data without having to physically carry your computer everywhere—reducing the risk of information being stolen or lost.
Work with RedNight Consulting to Improve Your Laptop Security
At Rednight Consulting, we understand the importance of protecting your work device and company data. We offer network security services that can help ensure the safety of your laptops and other devices—and we’re a trusted partner of AWS! Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can work with you to improve your laptop security.