How to Stop Cybercriminals from Stealing Your Information
Michael Hardman, Content Reporter at NTI
Published on March 17, 2020
As the number of people working remotely grows, the need to protect against cybersecurity threat increases. Companies are guarding against cybercriminals being allowed to gain access to their websites to prevent the stealing of sensitive data.
“Your computer security system needs to be constantly updating,” said Peter O’Leary, NTI@Home’s IT director. “If you don’t do this, you are leaving yourself extremely vulnerable to acts. Cybercriminals are always coming up with a new way to steal information.”
One way to prevent theft is to educate employees on how to be on guard against attacks by having them avoid using unsecured public networks. In an Inc. com article, the Spiceworks data said 61-percent of employees say they connect to public networks remotely on company-owned devices.
The bottom line here is, don’t do that. Cybercriminals use unsecured Wi-Fi networks to steal log-in credentials and personal data. Malware can be sent to the non-secured websites to get users and capture data.
“We tell our employees not to go on unsecured websites or use public networks,” said O’Leary. “The risk is way too great to our system to be exposed by that.”
Another tactic used by cybercriminals is Wi-Fi phishing. This is when a legitimate-looking page is created, but in fact, when you are connected, you are communicating directly with the hacker.
You also need to check and make sure your home office WiFi network is secure. Cybercriminals find unsecured IP-enabled devices to be an easy target. They can get into your network through security cameras, wireless video equipment, and network-connected thermostats. Once they are in, that’s when the start to do damage.
“There is no way around it,” said O’Leary. “You must constantly be checking to see if they have gotten into your system somehow and fix it quickly to prevent any damage being done.”
To help combat this threat, small businesses are increasingly realizing the value of cybersecurity training. In fact, employee security training is expected.
The Spiceworks 2019 State of IT survey, according to Inc.com, suggests remote workers be trained to spot potential threats.
“These are all great points,” said O’Leary. “You need to make sure you and your employees are on top of everything. Training is something that must be stressed at all times.”
(NTI@Home helps Americans with disabilities find at home employment in call centers for government organizations, Fortune 500, large, and small companies by offering free training, eMentoring and job placement services. To sign up for free, visit https://www.ntiathome.org/MediumNTI)