Electronic devices and technology are all around us. Whether you are at work, school, home, or in the car, there are electronic devices at our disposal which can access the internet. Technology has quickly become a top priority in our critical infrastructure, and yet, people are making costly security mistakes every day. Being extra cautious with computers and mobile devices can help to keep personal information and sensitive data more secure.
Charging Cell Phones through a Computer’s USB Port
Imagine that your wall charger for your cell phone is defective and you need to charge your cell phone. What are you going to do? Most likely, you are going to plug your phone into your computer to charge it. This is one of the top computer security mistakes people make. Typically, mobile devices are more vulnerable to malware than computers. If a mobile device is infected with any type of malware, which can be hidden within apps, then the malware software can be easily transferred to the computer during the charging process. Be cautious before turning to your computer as a charging station for your cell phone.
Neglecting the Importance of Passwords
One of the most common security mistakes that people make is creating weak passwords and failing to change passwords frequently. Stealing passwords becomes an easy task for hackers when their targeted people fail to maintain password security. Security mistakes such as failing to maintain password security can cost you. Passwords and PIN numbers from bank accounts, credit cards, and email addresses can be used to steal personal information and sensitive data. Compromised information can then be used by the hacker to unlock physical assets, such as bank accounts and credit cards.
Failing to Explain Importance of Security to Employees
Security mistakes occur daily in businesses across the United States. Companies who fail to educate employees regarding computer security are at a higher risk of becoming victimized by hackers. Employers should require employees to change passwords regularly, such as once per month or biweekly. Employees should also be taught to never leave clients’ personal information in an unprotected folder or location on the computer. These folders or databases should be locked, encrypted, and have password security protection. Employee security education is the cornerstone to helping prevent common security mistakes in the corporate world.
Assuming that a Company’s IT Department is Security Specialists
Although IT specialists are highly knowledgeable with computers, they should not be charged with handling issues of computer security. The coding and programming languages are different when handling different types of IT issues. Security mistakes will occur if IT specialists who are not educated in cyber security are required to these issues. Contracting with a private security company is a more effective option to avoid common computer security mistakes.