It's important to carry out cyber-behavior tasks before leaving on vacation. We give you some tips here to be more secure your company and yourself, and to relax for your vacation.
1- Notify Internal and External Parties:
Before leaving for vacation, it's critical to inform your colleagues internally and externally about your absence. This communication extends beyond a mere courtesy—it serves as an essential layer of protection against cyber-attacks, especially those that leverage social engineering tactics. By letting your coworkers know you will be away, they can be extra vigilant for any messages appearing to come from you, especially those with urgent requests or sensitive data involved. It's also prudent to notify your IT department so they can monitor your accounts more closely for any irregularities. Don't forget to inform your partners and clients, they should know not to expect any communication from you during this period.
2- Disconnect Business Accounts from Work Computers:
Before you leave, ensure you've logged out from all your business accounts on your work computer. This precaution reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts in your absence, whether physically in the office or via virtual breaches.
3- Disconnect Business Accounts from Personal Devices:
In the same vein, disconnect your business accounts from your personal devices during your vacation. This step reduces the chance of unauthorized access and safeguards against data theft. After all, you're on vacation to relax; let your out-of-office measures handle any emergencies.
4- Secure Your Workspace:
Safeguard your workspace before you leave. Store sensitive documents in locked storage areas and avoid leaving reminders or notes in plain sight. Shred any unnecessary papers that could potentially carry compromising information.
5- Encrypt Sensitive Data:
For added security, encrypt any sensitive data stored on your devices. Encryption transforms data into a code that can only be deciphered with the correct decryption key. Modern operating systems often come with built-in encryption tools, use them to your advantage.
6- Backup Important Data:
Backup all critical files and data before your departure. Employ secure cloud storage or an external hard drive for these backups. This way, even if your devices are compromised or lost, your essential data remains secure.
Bonus: Cysecurity Tips during your vacations
Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks whenever possible, particularly when accessing business or banking information. These networks often lack robust security, making it easier for hackers to access your data. Instead, opt for a secure and private internet connection, such as your personal mobile data or a trusted Wi-Fi network.
Disable Auto-Connect: Disable the auto-connect feature on your devices for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This measure can help prevent your devices from inadvertently connecting to unsecured networks or untrusted devices.
Exercise Caution with Public Charging Stations: Refrain from connecting your devices to public charging stations or using unknown charging cables. These can be exploited by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to your device or steal personal data. Instead, consider bringing your charger or using stations from trusted providers.
Be Wary of Urgent Messages and Money Transfer Requests: Remain vigilant for urgent messages, especially those demanding money transfers or actions on behalf of your boss or colleagues. Fraudsters can use strategies like CEO Fraud or deepfake technology to manipulate unsuspecting victims. Always authenticate these requests through a separate and secure communication channel before taking action.
In conclusion, by adhering to these cybersecurity measures—informing colleagues of your absence, you can protect both your personal and professional information. This comprehensive approach reduces your risk of falling prey to cyber threats, allowing you to embark on your vacation with peace of mind. By taking these proactive steps, you not only shield your data but also ensure that your time off is truly relaxing and worry-free.