Online security has long been a key consideration as business operations have moved into a technological sphere.

Almost a third of the British workforce are estimated to be working from home in some capacity. This provides additional challenges to IT departments as they look to maintain the safety of users and critical data.

Below are five simple steps that businesses can take to help keep their employees safe online.

Password Management

Directing your staff to use strong and complex passwords can help maintain safety standards. You may also ask them to update their password monthly.

Stronger passwords will use a combination of lowercase and uppercase letters, as well as symbols and numbers. Encourage workers not to use any personal information in their passwords.

You can take things a step further by using a password manager. This tool will create incredibly complex passwords for your staff and store them digitally. No more resets and fewer successful hacking attempts!

Use Multi-Factor Authentication

No matter how tough a password is to crack, none are completely safe. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) can prevent staff profiles from getting into the wrong hands.

MFA can take many forms. Some hardware solutions include using fobs to gain access to devices. But these options are gradually being phased out by software solutions.

MFA apps are now available, providing one-time passcodes to staff members as they sign into apps and use certain programs. These codes are almost completely untraceable as they stop working after short periods.

Use Secure Network Software

You stand a much better chance of ensuring that the network employees are using is safe if they’re working from an office. However, remote solutions have become increasingly necessary as more people are now based at home. 

You may not have the budget to provide network routers to all staff, but there are still ways to improve security. A VPN with a static IP benefits users by providing a quick connection while shielding activity from snoopers. 

Regular Training

As well as providing informational training, you can also test how vigilant your staff are. Phishing tests can simulate the kinds of messages that employees could receive from a malicious party.

You can then gather data on how people are interacting with these messages and tailor your training accordingly. 

Regularly Update Systems and Hardware

Running network-wide updates maintains the security of your online systems. Hackers often target older software versions. Regular updates stop your network from being vulnerable.

With remote working on the rise, getting your hands on laptops and other devices can prove slightly trickier. But encouraging workers to visit an office at least once a year to have their machinery checked over by professionals can help massively.