Security Awareness in The Home Office | Antivirus Software

There is still a deep gap between the importance and actual implementation of security awareness measures in the home office. The Corona period should be reason enough to finally anchor the issue of awareness centrally in the organization. In order to protect yourself against viruses and other attacks in the digital world, our protection formula helps to print out.

Need for Clarification in The Home Office

There's no telling yet when we'll be able to return to the office. The home office will continue to be normal. But what about cybersecurity? More recent studies speak for themselves : 81% of all employees complain that they have not received any specific guidelines or training on cybersecurity for working from home.

And that with increasing risk in the home office : According to a survey by OTRS among 500 IT managers, 80% have clearly increased concerns about IT security. Not only on the technical side such as IT configuration and support, missing incident response processes, but also on the human factor.

If there was no concept to sensitize employees before Corona, it cannot get better during Corona, or it takes time to be readjusted.

IT Security Has to Get out Of the Corner

Basically, it is essential to place IT security at different decision-making levels in the company and to establish these as elementary standard processes in the company. IT security is not exclusively part of the IT department of an organization, as long as the human factor is involved in the IT security process.

We need campaigns in organizations. Not only selectively, but as an established standard process that makes cybersecurity transparent and repeatedly addresses and values ​​the actions of people and the support of employees.

During the Corona period, we all saw: In times of crisis, all energy flows into coping with this special situation and there is little or no time to think carefully about the need to raise employee awareness.

If IT security does not “run along” subconsciously with people, nobody can be asked to act carefully in extreme situations. Only when awareness is subconsciously present can people fall back on these skills at any time in exceptional situations - but also in everyday life.

Knowing - Understanding - Acting

However, we do not achieve this status through individual employee training courses, but rather through specific, targeted campaigns that shape the everyday work of employees and become part of it. The following points play a key role for success and should be the subject of an awareness workshop :

§  Campaigns or programs identify the topics that have the greatest influence on the framework conditions and requirements of the organization.

§  The program goes beyond an annual measure and takes into account recurring awareness measures spread over the year .

§  The content of the measures is conveyed specifically to target groups and according to didactic standards , so that behavioral changes at work, at home and when traveling are encouraged.

The focus must be on strengthening the self-efficacy of people in companies and making it clear that everyone can make their contribution to IT security. There are no software updates or firewalls for social engineering, which is why the topic plays a special role in IT.

Security Awareness in The Home Office with PPAKMAS!

And this is where a “midnight formula” of IT security awareness can come into play. In the meantime we all know the “ AHA + AL formula ” against infections: distance, hygiene, everyday mask, as well as a warning app and regular ventilation. Together, these easy-to-implement measures have a major impact.

With the PPAKMAS formula we provide you with the counterpart for the digital world. So you are on the safe side in the home office!

P (1) Like Password Manager

Use secure passwords that are different for each account . A password manager supports you and prevents a dangerous "mess of paper".

P (2) for Patch Me if You Can

With regular security updates, you close possible gateways for attackers. Applying patches strengthens your digital s protective shield and should therefore be carried out promptly.

A for Hanging Up

Suspicious callers request information about sensitive data, apply pressure or even urge you to make transfers? Our colleague recently experienced a fraud attempt himself and reacted confidently. Take a deep breath and don't be caught off guard. Hang up if you feel uncomfortable.

K Like to Know Contacts

Do you even know your safety officer? Do you know where to report suspicious emails or calls? Do not wait until you get into an emergency situation, but find out about your contact person in advance.

M for Mails Pattern!

Warning signals such as a wrong sender address and other inconsistencies should sound the alarm bells for you. Scary corona mailings are currently circulating more and more. Put it in the trash and if possible: report it.

A for Distance or Switching Off!

There should be a strict distance requirement between third-party devices and company computers. Unknown USB devices such as sticks or gadgets are well-known sources of danger . But don't forget to switch off your new roommates and smart eavesdroppers Alexa & Co.

S for Lock

As trivial as it sounds, lock your screen when you move away. It should be clear to children that your company computer is neither a toy nor a charging station. The general rule is: If you separate personal and professional life, you are on the safe side.

Note: use authorised antivirus software to keep yourself safe.