Whenever you connect to the internet at work, you create a potential entry point for cybercriminals. Every link you click and website you visit is an opportunity for hackers to gain a foothold and infiltrate sensitive company systems and data. Fortunately, many of these incidents are preventable with a few smart habits.
You don’t need to be a security expert to stay protected online. By adhering to safe internet browsing practices, you can better defend yourself and your employer against cyberthreats. This article provides more information on common internet risks, outlines browsing do’s and don’ts, and offers tips to handle suspicious activity.
Common Internet Risks
As you browse the internet at work, it’s important to be aware of the following risks:
- Spoofed or lookalike websites—Cybercriminals may create convincing copycat websites of trusted domains to trick you into clicking on harmful URLs during online searches. Once you’ve landed on a spoofed website, hackers may hijack your device or inject it with viruses.
- Suspicious pop-up messages—While browsing the internet, you may receive unexpected pop-up messages with various claims, often urging you to provide your login credentials or other sensitive information in exchange for a prize or device upgrade. These pop-ups are usually phishing scams intended to deploy account takeovers and data breaches.
- Harmful software—When downloading seemingly harmless workplace attachments or programs from the internet, these files may be infected with harmful software. Upon download, this software could pave the way for destructive ransomware attacks.
Browsing Do’s and Don’ts
Given these risks, it’s crucial to implement robust online safeguards. When browsing the internet on the job, remember to always:
- Connect to the company’s virtual private network, especially when working remotely or using public Wi-Fi.
- Use only approved web browsers and extensions. Ask your employer for an approved list if you are unsure.
- Keep web browsers and any related plugins up to date.
- Verify URLs before clicking on them, looking for minor changes in the domain name.
- Use websites containing HTTPS whenever possible. This can help block hackers from eavesdropping and accessing the data sent between your device and the website.
In addition, you should never:
- Browse unfamiliar or suspicious websites.
- Download unanticipated attachments, software or extensions, particularly from unknown sources.
- Enter account credentials or other sensitive data into unverified pop-ups or domains.
Handling Suspicious Activity
If you come across anything suspicious while browsing the internet at work, whether it’s an off-putting website, unexpected pop-up message or potentially dangerous file, take these steps:
- Never ignore your instincts. If something seems off, don’t engage with it.
- Report any suspicious online activity immediately. Contact the IT or security team and follow their instructions before taking any further action on your device.
- Don’t try to investigate or remedy a potential cyberattack by yourself. Always notify others and ask for assistance.
We Can Help
Cybersecurity can be challenging, and cyberattacks remain a persistent threat to organizations of all sizes. Human error is a leading cause of many breaches. Organizations can reduce their exposure to cyberthreats by strengthening their cybersecurity programs and fostering a culture of security awareness and accountability. Share these tips with your employees and make sure you have proper cybersecurity coverage in place to protect your business.
If you’d like additional information and resources, we’re here to help you analyze your needs and make the right coverage decisions to protect your operations from unnecessary risk. You can download a free copy of our eBook, or if you’re ready to make Cyber Liability Insurance a part of your insurance portfolio, Request a Proposal or download our Cyber & Data Breach Insurance Application and we’ll get to work for you.