Communication, acceptable use policies, limiting internet access can all improve a company's IT security
Studies have shown that one of the biggest threats to a company's IT security is its very own employees, as they can often practice unsafe internet use - typically unintentionally, but sometimes intentionally.
Fortunately, addressing this security threat does not necessarily require expensive business products - simply educating employees about proper internet use can go a long way, reported Inc. magazine.
"Employees do stupid things, and attackers are out there trying to trick them," David Rice, author of the book Geekonomics: The Real Cost of Insecure Software, told the magazine. "So making them aware of the dangers is probably the biggest bang for the security buck."
Rice urged small business owners to create well-defined policies about computer use, and to remember that not all employees have the same internet access needs, so companies should limit access accordingly.
In addition, small business owners should not forget the most important business resource of all - communication. Small business owners should be "very vocal" about safe internet practices, training employees and reminding them continually, Rice advised.
Internet threats have become even more prevalent in recent months as the use of smartphones as business tools continues to grow, and employees work remotely from these devices. Consequently, any internet usage policies and security measures should also be extended to mobile devices, experts advise.
