In a world where cyberattacks are on the rise, adequate security features are key to keeping you, your employees, and your digital assets safe.
Whether you’re a start-up, a growing SME, or well-established business, all types of businesses should prioritise security.
A recent study by Kaspersky found that ransomware attacks in South Africa have doubled (likewise in Nigeria) when comparing January to April 2022 to the same period last year. It’s estimated that an average South African company will need to spend million to retrieve the stolen data!
Malware attacks also pose an immense threat to businesses, and these software viruses include worms, spyware, adware, and trojans that breach a network through a vulnerability.
Beyond internet security and antivirus software, what else can you do? There are a few things you need to be aware of when investing in hardware like laptops for yourself or for employees to make it more difficult for attackers to breach your systems.
1. Industry-grade screen security
You never know who is watching your screen, and some information is not meant to be seen by everyone. Although employees should be powering off machines if they are away from them, they often forget.
Look for laptops like the Acer TravelMate P6 that feature tools for mitigating this risk. The built-in Acer User Sensing technology allows for accurate detection of people based on range and movement, and keeps your data safe by locking the screen when you leave.
When you return, you can quickly log back in with the optional IR webcam that uses biometric facial recognition software, or the fingerprint reader located on the power button.
This is called Power-on-Authentication and saves you time trying to remember and enter passwords when you’re on the clock. Not only that, but the Acer TravelMate P6 has a convenient camera shutter that can be slid across the webcam for extra security.
Furthermore, its Privacy Panel obscures viewing angles beyond 90° when activated, and can be turned off whenever you need to use the full 170° wide viewing angle of the display to share and collaborate. This means no prying eyes and an extra level of privacy for your sensitive data.
Beyond screen security, the TravelMate P6 takes protection a little further and makes it particularly difficult for hackers to get into your system. It includes dTPM (discreet, Trusted performance module) hardware and makes your device basically tamper-resistant.
In other words, if someone tries to remotely unlock your laptop without authorisation, they will be met with the system drive preventing them from even booting up the device.
2. Zero-touch enrolment and security
You could also look for a device that simplifies the security process, making it easier for IT teams to initiate updates and keep all laptops secure.
The Acer ChromeBook Enterprise Spin 714 with Chrome OS enables user management and security on devices without IT teams ever having to touch them.
Chromebooks have multiple layers of built-in protection, including securing the identity of each device with no extra time needed for manual configuration, and access to enterprise-class security, without needing to pay for additional antivirus software.
This is because updates are pushed out regularly to ensure that your computer is up to date with the latest security patches. Better yet, these updates are completely non-disruptive and happen silently in the background.
Another benefit of Chrome OS is sandboxing, a security feature that runs every program, website, or web application as a separate process in a restricted environment. So, if you accidentally open a harmful website, the threat will be contained to that site and won’t be able to affect anything else on your computer.
3. Secure data with two-factor authentication
Two-factor or multiple-factor authentication refers to using two or more authentication methods to verify your identity.
This can be something like accessing a folder with your employee ID number, and then being required to verify again that it’s you by clicking on a confirmation email before you’re allowed in.
This is a vital step to secure access to accounts and sensitive information. It’s simple to implement and can make a significant difference, so ensure that it’s enabled.
4. Security doesn’t end with your laptop
Cybersecurity features can only protect you to a certain point. Employees need to be educated on what to avoid, how to treat suspicious content, and how to react in these situations. Stats show that 1-in-3 people will click on a phishing link.
Therefore, you need to educate your employees on the basics of cybersecurity principles, the various types of cyberattacks, and who to report it to if they suspect any malicious intent.
5. Implement VPNs for all connections
By now we know that generic security measures are still vulnerable to attacks. That’s why something like a virtual private network (VPN) connection is so handy.
It provides secure access to your company’s network, allowing your employees to work from anywhere, anytime, with reliable protection against data theft.
By encrypting data traffic, no one is able to spy on your company’s messages, emails, receipts, or even office memes. It’s the perfect barrier between the internet and the employee’s computer.
Securing your company’s personal computers, laptops and mobile devices are more important now than ever before.
Without protection, sensitive information can be easily stolen, leading to loss of confidential or customer data.
Luckily companies like Acer are paving the way with the latest innovations that plug in seamlessly with your current security solutions. Learn more about their ground-breaking laptops and visit the Acer website.
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