Tech Tip Thursday

tips and tricks to work more securely Part 1

The security of your computer and data is crucial for you and the success of your company. Lost or stolen information can reveal company secrets or expose confidential or personal information. The more you do to keep your computer secure, the safer your information will be. Use these 5 tips and tricks to help protect your computer, your data, and your company's network.

 

1.    Work with your IT department

Make sure that you install all of the patches and updates that your IT department recommends. In addition to installing Windows and Office updates, your IT department might require you to install additional security software, such as a firewall or custom software to help you connect from remote locations. Making these regular installations will keep your computer and your company's network as secure as possible.

You don’t have an IT department? Please pay even closer attention to the following tips and tricks.

2.    Use strong passwords

Passwords provide the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your computer, and a good password is often underestimated. Weak passwords provide attackers with easy access to your computer and network. Using strong passwords is a crucial part of your data security because these passwords are considerably harder to crack, even with the latest password-cracking software.

Tips and tricks for a strong password. Make sure your password:

o    Is at least eight characters long.

o    Does not contain your user name, real name, or company name.

o    Does not contain a complete dictionary word.

o    Is significantly different from previous passwords. Passwords that change just slightly—such as Password1, Password2, and Password3—are not strong.

o    Contains characters from each of the following groups:

§  Uppercase and/or lowercase letters.

§  Numbers

§  Symbols (!,@,#,$,%, etc.)

Changing your password at least every 60 days is another useful addition.

3.    Don't enable the Save Password option

Make it mandatory for you—or someone else trying to access your computer—to enter your password on all operating system or application settings. If a dialog box offers to remember the password, rather than requiring you to enter it every time, just choose no. Allowing the password to be saved negates having the password at all, rendering all tips and tricks less effective.

4.    Use network file shares instead of local file shares

Rather than opening up your computer to co-workers, use network file shares to collaborate on documents. And restrict access to the network file share to only those who need it. If you're working on a team, you have lots of other options—for example, Microsoft SharePoint Workspace 2010.

5.    Lock your computer when you leave your desk

If you're going away from your desk, make sure your computer is locked. To lock your computer:

On your keyboard, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE at the same time. Click Lock this computer (Lock Computer if you're running Windows XP).Developer's secret note: press WINDOWS+L

To unlock your computer, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE and enter your password.