Tip #1: Password Protection

Passwords need to be treated as if they are the access code to launching a nuclear weapon (even though the launch code at US Minuteman Silos was “000000000” for 20-years). Codes such as “password” or “administrator” just won’t fly anymore…

Tip #2: Password Management

Making sure your employees’ passwords use 2-factor authentication, as well as resetting them every 90-days, is a step in the right direction!

Tip #3: Full-Disk Encryption

Full-Disk Encryption (FDE) solutions make sure that any data on your network’s hardware is fully encrypted. FDE doesn’t encrypt one specific application (such as e-mail), instead it encrypts your entire hard drive.

Tip #4: Mobile Device Management

With the rise of B.Y.O.D (Bring Your Own Device) in the workplace, you should make sure that your employee’s mobile devices have remote-wipe capabilities which allow you to erase all data on a device in case it was lost or stolen.

Tip #5: Create & Implement Policies

Believe it or not, SMBs are more susceptible to being targeted by criminal “hackers” than large enterprises are because of their known, limited IT resources. Create structured policies with clear guidelines so everyone is on the same page.

Tip #6: Secure & Encrypt Emails with Sensitive Data

If you don’t have the resources for Full-Disk Encryption, then you should at least make sure that any sensitive data sent through email is encrypted. Over the years, there has been a rise in publicly affordable encryption/decryption services.

Tip #7: Educate Your Employees

Healthcare…are your employees aware of HIPAA & HITECH rules?Financial Services…are your employees trained on FINRA?…Believe it or not, 42% of HIPAA/HITECH breaches occurred internally, sometimes accidentally, by an employee.

Tip #8: Keep Your Hardware/Software Updated

On April 8th 2014, Microsoft officially ended support for its legendary Windows XP operating-system. Computer networks running Windows XP won’t be “patched” by Microsoft. If hackers find a vulnerability, you’re on your own…

Tip #9: Move Your Data Into The Cloud

Cloud-Computing has really taken off in the past 5-years, and its rate of adoption is only going to increase. In fact, 50% of American companies plan on increasing their budgets for cloud-services; and, the industry is expected to be worth $155 Billion by the end of 2014.

Tip #10: Lead By Example

Remember, it only takes 1 person to infect the entire network with malware or send an unencrypted email containing sensitive data. Whether you are the leader of your organization or not, lead with a culture of compliance when it comes to your most important asset: your information.

For More Information:

Protecting your business

from cyber-security threats

is no easy task, especially

in this day and age…

CHIPS Technology Group LLC.

5 Aerial Way, Suite #400

Syosset, NY 11791

Tel: 516.377.6585

Fax: 516.470.9214

Web: www.chipstechnologygroup.com

“Built on Trust”