With today’s technology, device safety is very important. People are resorting to online banking due to it becoming easy and quick. Personal information can be subject to theft. Unfortunately, it’s easier to gain access to your information remotely. That is why your devices should be protected and secure from online attacks. Overall, mobile devices are pretty safe. However, there are some cases of hackers getting through security measures and accessing your information. Since we are in 2020 now, let’s look over some ways to truly protect your devices.

Overall Security

Many people still keep their phones unlocked. Realistically, this isn’t a good idea. People lose their phones all the time, and with that comes the possibility of someone looking through your phone. Since your phone might have banking apps or popular shopping apps that have access to your banking information, you’ll want to make sure your phone is locked fully. You can use a number pin or a password, but even more secure are fingerprints or face scans. Those are the top levels of security you can apply to your device.

Use the Official App Store

Some people may overlook this, but it is important for your device. With the Andriod Play Store and Apple’s App Store, you can be sure your device will be protected most of the time. In some unique cases-some apps have been known to have viruses and malware. That isn’t so much the case anymore, due to both app stores locking down on suspicious applications. There are ways of downloading apps from third parties. Doing so might put your device at risk since you’re downloading it from an unknown source. So, be careful downloading apps that are not on the official app store.

Use Security Software

Almost everyone has a smartphone in today’s world-and with smartphones-you can download security applications from the app store. Security applications work the same way your anti-virus software does for your computer. It protects your device from unwanted, suspicious activity and can be downloaded easily through the app store.

Updates and Patches

Security updates roll out on mobile devices regularly. That adds safety measures for devices. You can see this happening a lot with both Andriod and Apple. A lot of the time people won’t update, but that’s important to the overall security for the device. Since new security means are being implemented into the update, updating to the new security update is important for protection.

Concerning Texts

Sometimes, scammers or hackers have been known to send text messages that contain an infected link. That is why you should be careful opening random links from people you don’t know. Concerning that, avoid answering any email or text messages that seem unusual in any small way.

2020 and Beyond

We are in the era of technology. Thieves can access information easier than one might think. Try to avoid downloading uncertain applications from unknown sources and only stick to the official app store. Devices are now remarkably secure with the fingerprint scanners and face scanners-use those to your benefit. Lastly, be wary of suspicious texts or emails-and never click on links within them. If you’re cautious while using your device, you shouldn’t come across any issues, and you’ll be able to fully enjoy all the internet has to offer.

Consider tekRESCUE as your IT services company in Austin TX and surrounding areas.

Network security has been and will continue to be a topic of conversation for businesses large and small. As hackers step up their game and use methods to manipulate, extort, and jeopardize the personal and private information of your clients and employees, our efforts to protect said information also has to adjust, change, and improve. Beyond doing the minimum of achieving HIPAA compliance, you should always be looking to improve your network security ensuring the privacy of every associated part of your business.

Recognize Your Gaps

When it comes to your business’ network security, you do not ever want to be overconfident. You should regularly review your network from end to end. Every computer, server, and device should be regularly inspected as any one of these could open the door for intruders into your network. Vulnerability assessments should be run by a managed IT department in Austin regularly in order to pinpoint any area that might be considered a weakness. This can help identify out of date software, evidence of malware, weak passwords, unusual activity, and more. 

Training

Educating anyone in or associated with your company that might have access to the network on how to properly approach usage is critical in maintaining security. This should be an ongoing aspect of your professional development as standards, softwares, methods, and forms of threat are often changing. Any individual with access should be well aware of the requirements expected of them and also the consequences of failing to maintain a HIPAA complaint network security. 

Outsourcing Network Management

Because of the ever changing technology along with new methods outside hackers could use to put your network at risk, it might be in your business’s best interest to outsource your network security to a company that is specifically dedicated to network safety. Even if you have onsite IT personnel, consider the scope of work and responsibility in maintaining a tightened network security. Especially if you are handling sensitive information, it might be worth your while to hire an outside company to manage it. If you are in the majority of businesses looking to increase their IT security budget, outsourcing the job can also save your company money in the process. Instead of putting additional people on your payroll with required benefits that come along with that, hiring an outside company can alleviate a lot of that pressure for your business while still maintaining a strong and secure network. tekRESCUE is a small business that specializes in cybersecurity in Austin Tx and can be there for you for all of your security needs.

Limit Access Points

Any device that has a connection to your network can be used to contaminate the server, even if done unintentionally. If your business has multiple network users, or even a third party partner, creating a virtual private network can help protect your main database from any weak points that might be created by an infected device logging in. Requiring any user with access to your network to have a company wide malware protection can also create some consistency in your protection as well. Remember, it is your job to prove at least a good faith effort in not only remaining HIPAA compliant but also in protecting your employees and clients from the dangers of outside network threats.

Here at tekRESCUE we specialize in managed IT for all Austin Tx companies! Give us a call today. We would love to hear from you.