Network security is not always about implementing new encryption protocols and using state-of-the-art tools to protect your business. Sometimes, it’s the small things that can make a massive difference. So, if your collective staff can implement this one easy trick, you might be surprised by how beneficial it can be for your network’s security. This practice? Locking your computer and phone.
What Is Locking Your Phone and Computer?
Essentially, your phone and computer can go into a sort of sleep mode when they’re not being used. You do this every time you close the screen on your phone. When your phone “wakes up” to be used, there should be a password required to get back into your phone. Otherwise, anyone can swipe the screen and start reading.
Locking your phone is second nature, and many people have complex passkeys or fingerprints required to do so. Computers are a different matter. Most office workers will stand up and leave their desks without locking their PC. The better practice is to lock your PC. Either perform the lock sequence that will prompt the next user for a password or put it into sleep mode that requires a password upon your return.
Let’s take a quick look at the benefits you get from locking your phone and computer.
Keeping Private Documents Out of Sight
The chances that corporate espionage is going to take place at a medium-sized landscaping company might be small compared to a large media conglomerate. Nevertheless, private documents on phones and computers often hide passwords and personal information.
Allowing those resources to be compromised can harm your reputation. Additionally, can leave you open to many problems, including lawsuits.
Your Work Phone and Computer Are Vectors for Malware
Hundreds of people can come and go from a large workplace daily. It’s not like you can keep track of them all. Unfortunately, it only takes one person with bad intent to find a computer or work phone that is connected to your company’s network and upload malware.
The most common vector for malware these days is email, and many of your company’s resources are geared towards stopping that threat as long as it’s from an external source. However, if someone sends an internal email from a trusted worker’s account and CCs everyone in the building, then it’s safe to say most people would let down their guard enough to open that email.
All it takes is a single terminal to remain unlocked and someone can wreak havoc on your business. Locking your computer and work phones can deter this threat or make at least delay the intruder long enough for them to be caught.
The benefits of locking your phone and computer at work go beyond malware and corporate espionage, though. It stops workers from learning about promotions, pay rates, and internal investigations. Locking your computer can also prevent data from being altered on a project without your knowledge.
Implementing this change is simple, and it does not require a lot of time. Get your team together, teach them how to lock their computers and phones, and test them once in a while to make sure they’re compliant. Not only will this increase security, but it will make your workers feel more like true stakeholders in the well-being of your business.
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