How to secure your business communication: best practices for phone and internet security

In today’s digital landscape, keeping your business communication secure is a crucial ongoing battle. Many organizations rely heavily on multiple forms of digital communication, and with the increasing prevalence of cyberattacks and threats, businesses must adopt many security measures to protect sensitive information transmitted via phone and the internet. Here are some tips to help keep hackers and fraudsters away.

Phone security practices

Do regular software updates

Smartphone manufacturers regularly update their operating systems to patch known security vulnerabilities, improve system performance and add new features. Run operating system updates promptly when they appear on your phone.

Keep your phone locked

Lock your phone whenever you’re not using it, and set it to unlock with a six-digit PIN that can’t be easily guessed, or biometrics such as a fingerprint or your face.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi®

Don’t connect your phone to a public Wi-Fi hot spot that isn’t password-protected and secure. Doing so can allow hackers to intercept your calls and data.

Internet security practices

Use strong, secure passwords

Whenever you log in to a website or app, do so using a strong password that’s at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of capital and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Try to avoid easily guessable information such as birthdays, names or common words.

Use multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication is a security measure that requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to an online account. Most commonly, you’ll provide your user name and password to log in, then need to input a code from a text message sent to your phone. This added verification means that even if someone did get your credentials, they wouldn’t be able to log in.

Understand online threats and be cautious

Hackers commonly use email attachments containing malicious software or links that direct people to malicious websites, so you should know what to watch for and be careful what you click. Don’t open email attachments you’re not expecting, and don’t click a link unless you’re certain that it’s safe. You should also know that government agencies, banks and law enforcement officials will never ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank account number, credit card details or passwords by email or text message.

Update and run antivirus software regularly

Antivirus software keeps computers safe by detecting and preventing viruses and other types of malware so they can’t harm your device. Keep this software up to date and run scans periodically to keep your personal and business data protected.

Protect your data with firewalls

Firewalls add an extra layer of protection for your business, monitoring incoming and outgoing network traffic and blocking unauthorized access to your computer.

Use virtual private networks

A virtual private network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted connection between your digital device and the internet, protecting the data you send and receive from being intercepted. Businesses with remote workers frequently use VPNs so that these workers can connect securely to company servers from wherever they’re working.

Additional security resources

• Device Security 101: Best Practices for Phones
• Your Technology Is Tracking You. Take These Steps For Better Online Privacy
• 9 Cybersecurity Best Practices for Businesses
• A Best Practices Guide to Information Security
• Ten Steps to Smartphone Security
• Top tips for staying secure online
• Online Safety Basics
• Your five-step plan to improving guest Wi-Fi® security
• Wireless and Mobile Security Practices for the Workplace
• Level Up Your Phone’s Security: Essential Tips From the NSA
• Top 10 Cybersecurity Tips for Employees
• Secure Business Internet Service
• Mobile Devices Security Best Practices
• 11 Cybersecurity Best Practices to Improve Business Internet Security