Stay Secure in 2024: Updated Cybersecurity Tips for the Office and at Home

Cyber criminals get more inventive every year. Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and are a moving target for business owners in 2024. Companies large and small need to employ cybersecurity best practices throughout their organization. That includes security integrators, manufacturers, and end users.

In a 2024 survey of CISOs, 80% say negligent employees are the key cybersecurity concern over the next two years. A loyal employee who falls for a cleverly designed smishing attack, for example, can inadvertently be the cause of a costly cybersecurity breach. In observance of National Cybersecurity Month, and with employees in mind, here are six cybersecurity tips–updated for 2024–that business owners can share with their employees to use at home and at work.

1. Embrace password managers: Ditch the old "complex password" rule. For all of your online accounts, use password managers that generate unique passwords

2. Use Authenticator Apps on your phone. Deploy and use Authenticator Apps for two factor authentication in place of SMS or emails. Do this for all the services that you can.

3. Verify before you use multifactor authentication (MFA): Be wary of "MFA fatigue" attacks. Always double-check the source of MFA requests, especially unexpected ones. Ensure they are from the actual source (e.g., google.com vs g00gle.com).

4. Secure your home internet network: Change the default password for your router; enable and configure WPA3 or WPA2. To protect your home network, personal accounts and privacy, take the time to segment your home network, creating a guest network for visitors and IOT devices. Put your IOT devices on the guest network.

5. Backup your data: Ensure that your computer data is automatically and regularly backed up to cloud-based storage at work and at home.

6. Educate Family and Work Team on Phishing Attempts: Effective cybersecurity is an ongoing process that requires a team effort. Do your part and learn to recognize phishing emails and smishing texts

About the Author

Dean Drako has started more than five companies. He is perhaps best known as a co-founder, president and CEO of Barracuda Networks (NYSE Ticker CUDA) from 2003 to July 2012. Drako is also an active angel investor.

He graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan and an MS in Electrical Engineering from UC Berkeley. As of 2013, Drako is a holder of 27 patents, including patents in network security, network protocols, digital circuits, software, biochemical processes, and sporting equipment.

In July 2012, Drako founded Eagle Eye Networks, a cloud-based video security company, and currently serves as its President and CEO.


Featured

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.