Looking for a basic checklist that is easy to follow and doesn’t have a million steps while covering all the essential steps to grant your business basic DIY IT Security? And the bonus is that you can complete it in less than 45 minutes.
Update > Clean > Backup > Secure
Listed here are the critical steps that you need to take to speed up and safeguard your computers while protecting your data to better defend your business against cyber threats and productivity-killing computer issues.
1. OS UPDATES
They never seems to be a good time, but security updates are critical to keeping your computer secure.
On a Mac > Open App Store > Click Updates tab in the top menu. > Download and Install all available updates
On a PC > Select the Start button > Settings > Update & security > Windows Update, and select Check for updates.
2. SOFTWARE PATCHING
Running updates is vital, so try to resist clicking "remind me later" no matter how tempting it may be. To fix security vulnerabilities and provide better functionality, keep third-party applications up to date.
To automate the process a bit, turn on Auto-Update on each machine and periodically check to see if they are being updated. If you have over 10 machines that you are responsible for, consider installing WSUS (Windows Server Update Services). WSUS is a computer program and network service developed by Microsoft Corporation that enables administrators to manage the distribution of updates and hotfixes released for Microsoft products to computers in a corporate environment.
One note, WSUS does require a server and a fair amount of knowledge around Group Policies to implement.
3. MALWARE SCANS & DELETING JUNK
Cleanup at least once a month, to speed up virus scanning and free up disk space. On a PC > Use the built-in Disk Cleanup utility or install CCleaner. Next, download and Install Malwarebytes and run a scan, if it picks up anything remove and reboot the computer.
Molworebytes is also available for Macs.
4. BROWSER UPGRADE
An outdated web browser makes your computer unsafe .
If you are still using Internet Explorer, you need to switch today! Modern browsers like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge are faster, safer and support a greater range of web technologies.
Remember it’s important to keep your browser extension up-to-date as well.
5. BACKUP MANAGEMENT
Do you know the 3-2-1 rule? With this rule, you should have three copies of your data at all time; your production data, 2 backup copies on two different media, and one copy off-site for disaster recovery.
To start with a local backup:
- On a PC > Select the Start button > Settings > Update & security> Backup.
- On a Mac > System Preferences > TimeMachine.
- For a cloud backup solution look into Backblaze, Carbonite, or CrashPlan.
6. UPDATE YOUR ROUTER
The most critical port of your network is your router / firewall. Unfortunately even though some models update their firmware automatically; most don't. The update process slightly differs from each model and you can find detailed instructions on the manufacturer website.
* You may have to involve your IT guy for this.
7. STORE PASSWORDS SECURELY
There are a number of common techniques used to crack passwords and many more ways our accounts can be made vulnerable with weak passwords.
- Passwords must be unique, long, complex and changed regularly.
- Protect your important accounts with two-factor authentication,
- Prohibit employees from shoring logins with each other.
- Store your password in a secure database like 1Password, Dashlane or LastPass.
Once you reach the end of this DIY List, you may have more questions and Emerge is here to help. Reach out to us by calling 859-746-1030 and we will get you on the road to complete IT Security.