11 Internet Security Best Practices to Follow

Internet security is a general term that describes all the different approaches an organization takes to keep its employees and sensitive data secure when online. The internet can transfer numerous cyber threats, like malware and ransomware, making internet security a priority. 

By utilizing internet security best practices, your business will be able to secure all authorized user endpoints, enhance your security posture, and ensure your employees know how to keep safe online.

Key Takeaways

• Secure Your Accounts: Password and account security will help reduce the unauthorized access that a malicious actor has if they compromise an account.
• Secure Your Devices: Device security and endpoint protection will help to limit the number of access points that malicious actors can target.
• Secure Your Staff: Teaching employees about the importance of staying safe online is a vital part of creating a robust security posture.

What Is Internet Security?

Internet security refers to the techniques and software a business uses to keep safe online. This ranges from educational initiatives that teach employees about safe browsing practices to cutting-edge cyber defense architecture that companies use and deploy on their systems.

Here are a few best practices that will safeguard your organization and systems.

Account and Password Management

When a hacker gains Internet access to an employee’s account, they also gain direct access to every file, connected source of data, and paired system that is on the device or account. For instance, if they use phishing emails to steal the user account details of a network administrator, they’ll then have full access to your entire system.

A small mistake on the part of an employee can create an enormous data breach, affecting an entire organization. 

Beyond just bringing operations to a halt, the average security breaches in 2023 cost around $4.45 million USD, demonstrating how severe this can be for impacted businesses. 

Here are the most important account and password management strategies to follow: 

1. Have strong, unique password requirements for each account.
2. Utilize a password manager and one-time passwords.
3. Enable two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Implementing these strategies in your organization can help reduce the number of account-related breaches while giving your employees room to make mistakes without causing major damage. 

Device Security

A single compromised device is all it takes for a hacker to enter your systems and begin to exfiltrate data. 

Especially considering that we’re currently in the age of remote work, there are now more devices to keep track of than ever before. Businesses should pay extra attention to devices if they allow employees to bring their own devices to work. Once an employee connects to your private network with their device, they would allow a hacker a direct pathway into your data stores if there is already malware on the computer, mobile device, or tablet. 

Here are the most important device security steps to take to enhance internet security:

1. Keep operating systems and software up-to-date.
2. Use antivirus and antimalware protection.
3. Secure Wi-Fi networks with strong passwords.
4. Back up important data regularly.

Focusing on creating secure endpoints by enhancing device security will radically improve your ability to detect, isolate, and mitigate cyber threats that come through user devices. 

Online Safety

A business can invest in as much cybersecurity infrastructure as it would like; if its employees download malware onto their system, all of these efforts are in vain. Cybersecurity in the modern age goes far beyond just tools and software systems. 

Businesses need to understand that effective internet security extends to teaching employees about how they should browse when online and what to look out for. 

When your employees have a high base level of cybersecurity knowledge, they’re much less likely to:

• Accidentally fall for a phishing scam.
• Download an attachment from a suspicious email address. 

Here are the most basic elements of cybersecurity online safety that your business should teach employees:

1. Be cautious of phishing attempts and suspicious links from unknown senders.
2. Protect personal information online and never share password details.
3. Avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing business resources, or use a VPN if necessary.
4. Use online privacy settings on social media to limit outsider visibility into your personal life, reducing the chance of successful spear phishing attempts.

Your level of internet security is only ever as strong as the weakest link in your organization. 

Typically, this will be an employee who isn’t well-versed in internet safety. Make education a priority in your onboarding process to overcome these challenges.

Maximize Internet Security with Perimeter 81

If your business is looking to enhance your internet security efforts and create a robust security posture, then Perimter 81 is the all-in-one solution for you. With extensive technological support, Perimeter 81 offers numerous cutting-edge cybersecurity tools to enhance your defenses and create a multi-level internet security strategy.

By combining Perimeter 81 with educational initiatives in your organization, you’ll be able to enhance your internet security from every angle. 

This multi-layered approach to crafting a world-class security posture starts with booking a demo today.

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