IT Security Best Practices in the Workplace

Below is a guide created to be utilized by business owners and office managers as an educational resource to establish basic IT security best practices in the workplace. Feel free to print it out and post it in common areas.

You work on critical matters. Let’s all work in sync to ensure everyone stays safe and secure.

Don’t Share Sensitive Information

• Don’t provide confidential company or customer information in unsolicited emails or phone calls.
• It’s imperative to remember that cybercriminals can be very convincing and that they fool a lot of users. Being on the lookout for anything suspicious will help protect sensitive information.
• Emailing usernames and passwords is always a bad idea.
• Be especially cautious of suspicious emails that look like they are from PayPal or a bank.

Use Strong Passwords

• Don’t reuse the same password for numerous accounts.
• Passwords should always include capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Passwords should never include personally identifiable information like social security numbers or dates of birth.

Avoid Accessing Sensitive Information on Unprotected Computers

• Hotel business centers and Internet cafes usually aren’t secure or regulated. Accessing sensitive information on public devices could allow others to access it as well.
• Malicious software could permit others to know what you are doing, and collect usernames, passwords, and credit card information.
• Ask your IT department about forming a VPN to allow safe access while traveling.

Do Not Leave Sensitive Information Laying Around

• Don’t write passwords on sticky notes.
• Shred documents that contain sensitive information.
• Don’t leave mobile devices, laptops, or desktops unlocked when you aren’t around them.
• Use Windows key + L to quickly lock your computer when stepping away.
• Small devices such as phones, portable hard drives, and flash drives are easy to lose or steal; be very aware of this while traveling.

Report Anything Suspicious to IT

• If we know about it, we can fix it swiftly before it becomes a bigger problem.
• If you’ve lost your smartphone or another device, report it immediately.

**Note: If you have a service agreement with Macro Systems that includes end-user support, don’t hesitate to provide our number and support email so your staff can put in tickets.

Phone: 703-359-9211
Email: