Key Cybersecurity Habits Every Employee Should Practice
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Let’s face it, most data breaches don’t happen because hackers are geniuses. They happen because someone clicked the wrong link or reused the same weak password. With so many offices allowing remote work, and cloud storage, and digital tools becoming more common, maintaining good IT compliance guarantees security for a company and its employees, while also reducing risks.
As stated by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), practicing cybersecurity habits, like using a strong password, keeping software up to date, being aware when opening emails, and turning on multi-factor authentication, can make a huge difference to your online security. This is called "cyber hygiene" and is necessary for organizations and employees when defending against cyber threats.
It only takes a small effort to create strong digital habits. These practices can go a long way to ensuring both company and employee data is safe.
Now, let’s discuss the five crucial cybersecurity habits every employee should know and practice.
5 Cybersecurity Habits Every Employee Should Practice
1. Pause Before You Click or Share
One of the most popular hacks that attackers use to get into the victim's internal systems is phishing emails and dangerous links. These emails appear genuine, replicate trusted vendors, and are in the form of internal messages or requests, etc. When caught off guard due to distractions or stress, employees may click such links without hesitation.
Before opening a link or an attachment, pause and check whether the email address of the sender seems official and authentic. You should also be mindful of the emails you receive to know which emails should be opened and which should not.
If something doesn't feel right, trust yourself. Report it to your IT or security team. Taking a second to double-check could stop a potential security incident in its tracks.
2. Lock Down Your Credentials
Passwords are the key to all your personal and valuable information. Would you hide your house key under your doormat? Probably not because that is the first place a thief will search. Yet many employees still reuse weak passwords or share login details, making it easy and predictable for attackers to get in.
Stronger credentials make a big difference:
Use a unique, complex password for every account.
Avoid using personal information (like birthdays or pet names).
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where available.
Use a password manager to keep track securely.
Passwords are often the first line of defense. The stronger and more private they are, the better protected you and your company’s data will be.
3. Secure Your Devices—Anywhere You Work
Today’s employees work everywhere in offices, cafés, airports, and at home. That mobility comes with increased responsibility. Work devices hold valuable information, and without being secured, they become serious threats. You must ensure that your work habits are as safe as those online. A study from Verizon showed that 68% of breaches were because of a human element in 2024.
Always lock your screen, enable auto-lock on all devices, use a VPN when using public Wi-Fi, and never leave devices alone in public spaces. Physical security of devices is usually a neglected aspect of cybersecurity. Losing a laptop may not only be a financial loss, but customer data, IP, or internal networks could be at risk, and that could be a serious security breach.
4. Update and Back Up Regularly
When the computer provides you with pop-ups for updates, it is not being annoying, but rather working to protect you. Updates for security mean that hackers have discovered and exploited flaws in the system.
Keeping software updated is key. Installing the operating system and software patches keeps hackers from taking advantage of your system. Also, keeping an antivirus software active on your devices safeguards you from new threats. Not just that, consistent file backups using safe encryption allow you to quickly recover lost data.
5. Follow IT Compliance Guidelines
Cybersecurity is not only about using the latest tools and techniques for security, but also about aligning with organizational policy. That is where IT compliance plays a major role.
IT compliance ensures your firm is compliant with internal security and compliance standards. Irrespective of the industry, compliance involves standards for data handling, control of access, and employee behavior.
Here is how to contribute to a compliant workplace:
Make yourself aware of company security and privacy policies.
Never avoid security measures just because they are inconvenient.
Access only those systems and files needed for your position.
Report any suspicious activity, even if it’s a potential threat or not.
Stay Secure and Compliant with Brainstomp.’s IT Solutions
Cybersecurity is a constant task that does more than just breach prevention. As threats are becoming increasingly difficult to spot with the emergence of innovative technologies, organizations must adopt the latest cybersecurity measures and IT compliance. Taking proactive measures isn't the only way to be secure, but also by educating employees, instituting the correct tools, and remaining IT regulation compliant, you can increase protection from threats.
For companies, it is necessary to align with reliable providers who are aware of safe digital infrastructure and IT compliance. Brainstomp ensures organizations have a safe digital environment with employees who follow best practices for cybersecurity. Brainstomp uses advanced IT solutions to secure data, control employee access, and ensure compliance with the latest regulations while supporting a strong and resilient network infrastructure.
With the help of Brainstomp's expertise and knowledge, companies can keep ahead of the latest cyber threats, reduce risks, and ensure a top IT compliance standard. Securing sensitive data, evading expensive breaches, and keeping business running smoothly and securely is no longer a choice. It is a requirement. With Brainstomp, securing your organization’s online presence is only a step away.
Ready to secure your business?
Contact Brainstomp, Inc. today and see how our tailored IT compliance and cybersecurity solutions can protect your organization’s sensitive data and ensure your infrastructure remains resilient to the threats of tomorrow.
