IT Security: Stay Safe with These Seven Information Technology Safety Tips

IT Security: Stay Safe with These Seven Information Technology Safety Tips

It’s the fourth of July weekend! Yay! We hope you have a great weekend spending time with people you love and doing things that make you happy.

This holiday is one of those that we always include the word “safe” when offering well wishes for the weekend. We tell people to have a “safe and happy fourth of July.”

We got to thinking about that. We always want people to stay safe as they enjoy time off. And we thought we should cover some safety tips that apply to your business technology, computers, and devices as you prepare to leave your business unoccupied over the weekend.

Perform Scheduled Updates and System Maintenance

First, if you have any scheduled updates or maintenance that needs to happen on your software and systems, do it before you leave. That way you’re not coming back to a bunch of issues when you return from a long weekend off.

Updates and patches are important for keeping your system secure, if you don’t you could be leaving a computer vulnerable. So make sure they’re all up-to-date before you walk away for the weekend.

Perform Scheduled Updates and System Maintenance

First, if you have any scheduled updates or maintenance that needs to happen on your software and systems, do it before you leave. That way you’re not coming back to a bunch of issues when you return from a long weekend off.

Updates and patches are important for keeping your system secure, if you don’t you could be leaving a computer vulnerable. So make sure they’re all up-to-date before you walk away for the weekend.

Update Security Software: Antivirus and Anti Spyware Software and Run a Full Scan

This one is crucial. It’s important to have the latest anti virus software installed on all of your devices, and it’s equally important to run a full scan before you disconnect them from the internet.

You don’t want to come back to work on Monday morning and find out that you’ve been infected with malware or ransomware because you didn’t take the time to update your antivirus software and run a full scan before leaving for the weekend.

Not sure if your security software is up-to-date, call us at (417) 823-7100.

Disconnect Unneeded Devices

Second, if possible, disconnect any devices that won’t be needed over the weekend. This includes things like printers and scanners, smart TVs, and smart boards. Any device connected to your wireless network (or hardwired by ethernet to the network) that doesn’t need to be connected, disconnect it. Not only does it save energy, but it also reduces the risk of someone hacking into those devices while they’re not being used.

A personal computer doesn’t necessarily have to be powered off or disconnected if the power-saving features have been properly configured to put the computer to sleep when it is not in use.

If you can’t disconnect them physically, then at least disconnect them from the network by shutting off Wi-Fi or unplugging the Ethernet cable.

Not sure what you should disconnect and what to leave powered up and connected, call us at (417) 823-7100.

Disconnect Unneeded Devices

Second, if possible, disconnect any devices that won’t be needed over the weekend. This includes things like printers and scanners, smart TVs, and smart boards. Any device connected to your wireless network (or hardwired by ethernet to the network) that doesn’t need to be connected, disconnect it. Not only does it save energy, but it also reduces the risk of someone hacking into those devices while they’re not being used.

A personal computer doesn’t necessarily have to be powered off or disconnected if the power-saving features have been properly configured to put the computer to sleep when it is not in use.

If you can’t disconnect them physically, then at least disconnect them from the network by shutting off Wi-Fi or unplugging the Ethernet cable.

Not sure what you should disconnect and what to leave powered up and connected, call us at (417) 823-7100.

Run Backups

Third, make sure all of your important data is backed up before you leave. This includes things like your contact lists, financial records, and client files.

Backing up your data helps to ensure that you won’t lose anything if there’s a power outage or other issue over the weekend.

Check Security Cameras

Fourth, if you have security cameras or any other type of surveillance system, make sure it’s working properly before you go. This way you can be sure that your business will be secure while you’re away.

Check the cameras to make sure they’re positioned correctly and that the recording quality is good. Test the motion sensors to ensure they’re working properly. And review the footage from the past week to make sure there haven’t been any issues.

Check Security Cameras

Fourth, if you have security cameras or any other type of surveillance system, make sure it’s working properly before you go. This way you can be sure that your business will be secure while you’re away.

Check the cameras to make sure they’re positioned correctly and that the recording quality is good. Test the motion sensors to ensure they’re working properly. And review the footage from the past week to make sure there haven’t been any issues.

Check the Alarm System

Finally, if you have an alarm system, make sure it’s turned on and set properly before you leave. This will help to deter burglars and give you peace of mind while you’re away.

File Sensitive Information and Important Documents in the Safe

This last tip isn’t necessarily IT related but we thought it should be included in the checklist.

Before you leave for the holiday, make sure all important documents (sensitive information like bank account information, and checkbooks) are filed away in the safe.

File Sensitive Information and Important Documents in the Safe

This last tip isn’t necessarily IT related but we thought it should be included in the checklist.

Before you leave for the holiday, make sure all important documents (sensitive information like bank account information, and checkbooks) are filed away in the safe.

Here are the Technology Safety Tips as a Checklist:

-Perform scheduled updates and system maintenance
-Update Security Software: Antivirus and Anti Spyware Software and Run a Full Scan
-Disconnect unneeded devices
-Run backups
-Check security cameras
-Check the alarm system
-File Sensitive Information and Important Documents in the Safe

ACIS® IT Solutions Can Help

We hope these tips help you minimize security risks and help you to enjoy a safe and happy holiday (not just the fourth of July weekend) anytime you take time off! And remember, if you need any assistance with your IT systems or security, we’re always here to help. Give us a call anytime at (417) 823-7100!

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Internet Safety and Staying Safe Online

ACIS® IT Solutions Can Help

We hope these tips help you minimize security risks and help you to enjoy a safe and happy holiday (not just the fourth of July weekend) anytime you take time off! And remember, if you need any assistance with your IT systems or security, we’re always here to help. Give us a call anytime at (417) 823-7100!

Social Networking Sites

Internet Safety and Staying Safe Online



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