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Nearly every day you read about a new malicious attack on computer networks of vital businesses around the world, and the attacks do not seem to be slowing down.

So what can businesses do to protect themselves? Aside from a mulit-layered security approach, businesses should have a secure backup process in place. Should they be infected, a backup allows them to wipe the affected device and reload their information.

Another crucial step is education for all levels of staff.

Often it is a company’s last line of defense – the employees – who accidentally unleash a malicious attack.

It is worth an employer’s time to educate employees on how to not fall prey to a savvy hacker because it just might save the company from costly attacks and hours of headaches. And as a trusted advisor, you’re in the best position to help.

SIMPLE STEPS TO HELP EDUCATE EMPLOYEES

Here are 5 tips you can teach end users to help keep hackers from wreaking havoc on your systems:

Assume all file attachments are dangerous. Dangerous attacks often utilize common file types users are used to seeing - .doc, .xls and .pdf, etc. While not every file extension can launch an attack, users should treat all file extensions with skepticism. Stay alert for phishing emails. Only click web links within emails you absolutely are sure are authentic. Phishing emails typically come with typos and greetings such as “Dear Customer” or “Dear Sir/Madam.” Be wary of threats and urgent deadlines as these often are characters of phishing scams. Update system, software patches regularly.  Security researchers show that installing system and software updates is the best defense against common viruses and malware online. Particularly for computers running Windows. Software makers often release updates to address specific security threats. By downloading and installing the updates, you patch the vulnerabilities that virus writers rely on to infect your computer. Be careful using public WiFi. Most businesses who provide public WiFi tend to have lax or nonexistent security – leaving the network and your computer vulnerable to hackers. Use complex and lengthy passwords. Use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols for your password. Do not use the same password for multiple accounts.

If you’d like to share this information with your customers and their end users, AppRiver has made it easy with THIS DOWNLOADABLE POSTER you can print and distribute.