Running a business is hard enough without having to deal with technological problems. If your computer network is compromised, the results can be catastrophic. You might think that hackers and cybercriminals would never target a business as small as yours, but it happens all the time. You probably already know to be wary of dubious email attachments, but here are a few more tips to ensure you don’t end up the victim of an attack that sends your computers into a spiral. UPDATE ALLTHETIME Updates to your operating system and security software might seem like a constant chore, but it’s the easiest defense against an attack. Antivirus software should be set to scan for malware after each update, and you should update your software whenever you’re prompted to do so. Even better, set your software to update automatically. Security patches are designed to counter the latest threats, so you shouldn’t wait to install them. USE BACKUPS CORRECTLY If you do end up with compromised data, a backup is your best friend.Too many businesses don’t check that their backups actually work until they need to rely on them. Ensure your backed-up files are in good order and keep one set of backups off-site.That way, if your entire network is under siege, you know you’ll make it out with minimal damage. PROTECT YOURWI-FI If you want to provide Wi-Fi to clients visiting your office, you should create a separate network for them. Both that network and your internal network should be protected by different passwords. When you let outside devices onto your network, you are at risk of being attacked through those devices. EDUCATE YOUR STAFF A staff member’s device can leave your system vulnerable, as well. If you are going to allow your staff to use company Wi-Fi for personal use, you need to educate them on safe browsing behavior. You may be skeptical of unsolicited text messages promising vacation deals, but if one person clicks, the whole network is at risk. GET A FIREWALL That Could Save Your Business THE INTERNET SAFETY TIPS
KILLER TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITIES
A tight-knit team benefits every business, regardless of size or industry. Every one of your employees is working toward a common goal, so a sense of camaraderie is crucial. As a leader, bringing your team together is one of the best investments you can make. What’s even better is that you don’t need to take everyone to Cancun to build real connections. Here are a few activities that will delight your staff without crushing your budget. BACK-TO-BACK DRAWING Team communication is vital to an effective workplace, so why not have a little fun testing that skill? Break your staff into groups of two, or do it by department if you have a larger workforce. Each pair sits back to back, and one is given an image to describe to their partner, but they cannot just say what the image is.The other partner has to try to replicate the image, and whoever comes closest wins. EGG DROP CONTEST
You may have done this in high- school physics class, but you’d be shocked at how well it tests creative problem-solving in your office. Give each team (you can decide the numbers) an egg and a time limit to create a contraption that will allow the egg to survive an eight-foot drop. You can provide materials if you’d like or force them to make due with whatever’s lying around. Not only
will teams have to work together to create a novel solution, they’ll have the satisfaction of seeing their work put to the test. TOP 5 ANYTHING Introducing a new employee to your group can be a challenge. “What’s your name?”, “Where are you from?”, and the like are boring and don’t really let someone express themselves. A great way to let a new employee share a passion or interest is to simply ask them to share their top five favorites from a category of their choosing. An avid reader might choose top five novels, and a home cook their top five favorite dishes.The great thing about this activity is that gives an employee the freedom to talk about something they love, while also letting the group get to know them. Sure, everyone loves a free lunch and a chance to escape the office for a few hours. But these team-building activities, which require no travel at all, can be even more rewarding.
A robust firewall is the first line of defense against prying eyes and hackers. A firewall, or router that includes firewall features, is inexpensive and easy to set up, and it will deter those seeking to break in. Think of it as a digital version of an alarm system.
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