No matter how strong your security and defense systems may be, there is always one flaw: human error.

No matter how big or small a company is, the fact behind employees being the biggest threat will never change for IT security. However, there are steps that can reduce the effect of human error, one of which is educating your employees on basic fundamentals of security and awareness.

Other steps that you can take include:

• Avoiding Unknown Networks. Sure, you can send an email through a Starbucks Wi-Fi network, but these are open doors for hackers to gain access to a device that may contain corporate data.
• Always Have a Passcode. Everything has gone mobile, and that includes the devices we use both at work and at home. Most of our devices don’t require passcodes, but they should. Teaching employees the importance of having every device require a passcode will pause the threat of an unknown visitor gaining access to critical information.
• Watching What You Click. Antivirus software isn’t always the answer. Employees have become relaxed in what they click because of the “protection software.” Helping them understand that this is not the case, and the consequences of opening up documents from unknown people or websites.
• Do Not Share Credentials. Purchase additional login accounts rather than sharing one account. That mentality needs to be done away with, and employees should learn value behind guest or role-based accounts. This is what keeps systems safe and secure.,/li>

Saying Something If You See Something. Keeps your eyes open for any suspicious documents, emails, or websites. Awareness goes a long way towards preventing cyber-attacks and hacks.