Stayingcyber-healthyduring thecovid-19pandemic
Scott Jones
This is a challenging time for Canadian sand canadian businesses. For many people, the phrase “work from home” has become synonymous with the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, NEWCOVID-19 work arrangements combined with online threats related to the crisis are increasing the need to practise good cybersecurity.
When you work in an office setting, you benefit fromthe securitymeasures that your organization has in place to protect its networks, systems, devices, and information from cy ber threats. Working remotely generally provides employees with flexibility and convenience. However, remotework canraise risks ifemployees are using personal laptops, tablets, and phones that aren’t subject to the same good security measures.
The good news is that even basic cyber hygiene can be effective in mitigating some of today’s nastiest cyber threats. Canadians should feel secure working from home, without compromising information technology security. As we continue working in an unpredictable environment, there are important tips we must follow.
Afewkey actions canmake a big difference:
Practise good password etiquette Accept updates to your mobile devices, computers, and applications Secure your social media and email accounts
Be on guard for phishing (and spear-phishing) messages
Store your data securely and know your back- up procedures
The canadian centre forcyber Security is Canada’s authority on cybersecurity. It publishes advice and guidance, including about the importance of security awareness training for employees, and how to create robust incident response plans for organizations.
Before you determine if you would like to set up a virtual private network (VPN), host video teleconferences, or allow youremployees towork remotely, you shouldunderstand the threats and set yourself up for success. Visit cyber. gc. ca for a list of alerts and advisories, including those regarding critical vulnerability patches.
The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security is here to help protect you and your organization fromcyber threats. Canadians need to be on top of their cybersecurity.
Basic cy ber hygiene can be effective in mitigating some of today’ s nastiest cyber threats. Canadians should feel secure working from home, without com promising information technology security.