EO Johnson Blog

Remote Employees and Network Security: A Free eBook

Written by Locknet Managed IT | Sat, Jan 1, 2022

Make Network Security your 2021 New Year's Resolution

This New Year's, why not make it your resolution to kick your network security into high gear even with a remote workforce? It can be done, but like any new year's resolution, it requires commitment, perseverance and a plan. Security awareness training will be a critical component of your network security strategy and follow-through for 2021, as this is typically a company's weakest link when employing a remote workforce. All of us at EO Johnson Business Technologies and Locknet® Managed IT are dedicated to helping companies make the most of this transition, which is why we've put together an eBook to give you the overview you need to get started on this essential network security resolution.

There's still time to resolve to make network security a priority

If, like many resolutions, you find commitment to network security falling to the wayside so early in the year, take heart. Experts say an estimated 81% of resolutions fail by mid-February. And while it's commonplace for folks to fall from the treadmill or stationary bike resolutions, or lose their dieting willpower when faced with a melty, gooey bacon cheeseburger, you might be surprised to find that a resolution to create lock-tight network security in this remote working world is also subject to challenges. The good news is, if you fall off the network security treadmill, so to speak, we can help you hit your pace again, and quickly.

Simply put, resolutions often fail because they are too difficult. They fail because we forget about them, or they fail because the motivations behind them were misplaced. They can also fail when we lack a plan, accountability or a sense of direction. These are some of the same reasons that good end-user cyber security practices fail. Proper behaviors are rarely reinforced. Some of the protocols are seen as too difficult to follow, such as rising at 4 a.m. for a three-mile jog in the cold, or creating complex and unique passwords for each application. And while we may not be able to help you with your healthy lifestyle goals, we can help you keep your network healthy in 2021 and make sure your staff's security awareness training is in peak condition.

Security Awareness Training: making the resolution stick

Motivations behind measures of cybersecurity are often not translated or explained to the end users – resulting in a disconnect between your IT department or managed IT provider and your users. Yet committing to network security fitness is essential to the sustainability of your business. How do we bridge that gap? How do we ensure that the reasoning behind the 15-digit, complex password is understood and not disregarded as just another hoop to jump through so that the real work can be done?

The answer is rather straight forward, inexpensive, and simple to set up: security awareness training.  

Security Awareness Training, when done correctly, puts simple e-learning modules in front of your users and emphasizes the reasoning behind cybersecurity. At Locknet we provide several network security training modules every quarter, taking approximately 45 minutes total. This helps keep security practices top-of-mind, so when your staff log on to the network, the knowledge and the reasoning to back it up, are on their proverbial radar.

Network security topics span areas of greatest vulnerability and concern, and can be customized to fit your organization's unique needs. They may include:

  • how to connect safely to a public WIFI spot
  • understanding and identifying a phishing attempt
  • what to look out for in the event of a physical security incident

Speaking from personal experience, the knowledge gained in network security training not only helps in my organization but I get to discuss these issues with my family, so they know what to look for and how to stay safe with their personal devices.

Done correctly, network security training is unobtrusive, passive for the IT team, and best of all could prevent one of your employees from leaving the doors to your network unlocked and vulnerable to attack.

Download our Free eBook: Remote Employees and Network Security

Accessing our eBook is quick and easy, and in no time, you'll be well on your way to a lock tight network. For a deeper understanding of and how to keep your employees and your network safe while they work from home or any remote location, download our eBook “Remote Employees and Network Security” here.

Interested in learning more about security awareness training for your organization? Give the experts at Locknet Managed IT a call at 844-365-4968 or fill out the contact form located here. Together, we can help ensure your resolution to network security and security awareness training is one that sticks, for the future of your business.