Ten Tips For Strengthening Operational IT Security

Today, all companies are concerned about the security of their computer data, including those in the agricultural sector, which too often (wrongly!) I think they are safe from hacking. How do you protect yourself effectively? here are the Ten Tips For Strengthening Operational IT Security

Choose Strong Passwords 

No, 123456 is not a strong password! Hackers have created software to guess passwords. So, they must be challenging to find. Here’s how to create a strong password: 

Minimum 12 different characters (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, special characters), 

Unrelated to you (name, date of birth, etc.) and not appearing in the dictionary, 

A unique password for each sensitive service (bank account, taxes, etc.). 

Limit Admin Access 

The “administrator” account is the one that allows you to intervene in your computer settings. “User” accounts, which are less permissive, are more appropriate for daily use (Internet, messaging, office automation, etc.). 

• Protect the administrator account with a complex password, 
• Assign each employee a user account and a personal password, 
• Delete obsolete user accounts (former employees, interns, etc.). 

Perform Regular Backups 

Do you know the three rules of IT? Rule number 1: save. Number 2: Save! Number 3: Save!!! Following this routine allows you to find your data quickly in the event of a cyberattack. 

• Online backups are very reliable and accessible from anywhere with an Internet connection. 
• At the same time, use external media (hard drive, CD, or a recordable DVD) to be kept outside the company. Be careful, however, with the limited lifespan of these supports. 

Secure Farm Wi-Fi Access 

The Wi-Fi is excellent. It works by itself; the access code is even displayed in the farm office. But it is also an easy-to-open front door. Wi-Fi access must be secure. Some companies even choose to disconnect it. 

• Contact your service provider’s support to set up secure Wi-Fi, 
• Change the default connection ID and password for your box, 
• Deactivate your access point when not in use, 
• Do not display the Wi-Fi password, and change it regularly. 

Be Careful With Your Smartphone Too 

Smartphones are compelling and yet much less secure than computers. A few tips can make them less prone to computer attacks. 

• Do not unquestioningly give access to your data to the applications you install, 
• Also, use a pattern or code to unlock smartphone access, 
• Set automatic lock, 
• Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi. 

Protect Your Data When Traveling 

Taking your computer with you (to training or a trade show) exposes you to having to connect to public networks that are only sometimes secure. If you have no choice, be extra vigilant and make sure your antivirus is up to date. 

• Take the bare essentials: no need to take all your data with you, 
• Keep your devices, media, and files with you, 
• Turn off the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions of your devices if you don’t need them, 
• Do not leave any smartphone, USB stick, or SD card plugged into your equipment. 

Use Your Messaging With Caution 

It’s not new, but hackers have yet to invent anything more effective than a booby-trapped attachment to take control of a computer, introduce malware, or encrypt data. 

• Check the sender’s address carefully, 
• Be wary of dubious titles with spelling mistakes, 
• Never respond to a request for personal, tax, or banking information, even if the message graphics use the colors of your bank or an administration. These are phishing attacks. 
• Do not open or relay chain letters or calls for solidarity: they very often contain viruses. 

Download Your Software From Safe Sites 

Many sites offer software for free download. But be careful; they could have been modified to host a virus. Always prefer to download the software that interests you from the official website of its publisher. 

• Find out who the publisher of the software you are looking for is and go to their site, 
• Uncheck all the boxes offering to install additional software, 
• Be careful before clicking on a sponsored link in your search engine. 

Be Vigilant When Shopping Online 

Buying on the Internet is convenient, both for the business and for yourself. However, not all merchant sites are necessarily well-secured. Your bank details may be intercepted. 

• Check that a padlock appears in the address bar of your browser, 
• The mention “https://” must appear at the beginning of the site address, the “s” meaning that the internet page is secure, 
• Always choose a payment with the sending of a confirmation code by SMS or via your bank’s app. 

Safeguard Your Personal And Professional Information 

2.0 scammers do not hesitate to use the web to gather information before setting up scams. Stay in control of your information on the Internet. 

• Uncheck the boxes authorizing sites to keep or share your data, 
• Control who can see what you post on social media, 
• Do not leave your phone numbers, email addresses, and other information on forums.