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Protect work devices
Has your business been targeted by fraudsters?
Contact us right away to report a scam. We can then guide you on what to do next.
Tips on how to protect work devices
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If you need to buy a device, make sure a supplier is trustworthy. It’s safer to buy direct from a trusted source rather than a second-hand marketplace.
Most modern devices are secure enough for any business to use. But before you buy, find out how long the manufacturer offers support. Every device needs security updates and bug fixes while it’s in use.
If you allow colleagues to use their own devices for work, make sure they all follow a secure use policy.
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Once you get a device, you need to set it up and update it to keep it secure.
You can set up a device in one of three ways:
- Manually – a user follows instructions.
- Manually – by an administrator at work.
- Automatically – if you need multiple devices.
Make sure a device has everything your business needs so you and colleagues can do their job.
When a device is ready, decide who can use it. Tell them how to use it safely and consider other security measures. For example, you may want to ban external drives as someone could use one to steal data.
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Update the operating system (OS) on a device when updates are available. The OS runs all programs and apps. It also helps to keep a device safe from viruses.
You should do the same with the internet browser, other software and apps too.
If a computer uses an older OS, it won’t get security updates.
You may need to change a device if you can’t update the OS.
If a mobile device uses an older version of iOS or Android, it may not get any security updates. To stay secure, you may need to change the device.
Most devices will update automatically, but to avoid any problems you, your colleagues or an IT department can install the updates manually.
Learn more on how to update devices on the National Cyber Security Centre website.
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After you use any online account, log off.
Do the same with your device after you finish work for the day.
This can help stop others from getting into your device or online account.
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Install an antivirus on all of your devices. Make sure you keep it up-to-date.
Scan for viruses at least once a week and follow any advice it may give you. It should tell you if a site or file is unsafe to open.
Keep your firewall on all the time. This helps to stop people from getting into a computer. Only a computer expert should turn it off.
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Only download files and programs that you know are genuine and have come from a source you trust.
Always check if an email is genuine before you download any attachment. Learn how to check on our scam messages page.
Fraudsters can hide a computer virus inside an attachment to harm a device. Viruses can steal personal, business or banking details. Learn more about computer viruses.
Get mobile apps from an official store such as the App Store or Google Play.
Before you get an app, check the reviews and other guidance from the store to make sure it’s safe.
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If you need to work in a public place, avoid using public Wi-Fi on your device. It’s safer to use your mobile phone network.
Fraudsters set up Wi-Fi hotspots in cafes and other public areas to try to steal data and details.
Even where you trust a Wi-Fi connection, like at home, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A VPN is a privacy tool that hides your online activity.
Think your account has been used by someone else? Contact us now.
Wi-Fi at work
If you’ve Wi-Fi at work, follow these tips to help keep the network secure:
- Change the network’s name - Your network router comes with a name that helps to identify it. This is a Service Set Identifier (SSID).
- Change the SSID so it’s harder to guess.
Never use personal or business details for a name. Always select random words and numbers.
- Scramble messages - To protect messages sent over Wi-Fi, you can scramble them so they’re harder to read.
Select the encryption setting on your network router. Use either Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) or WPA3 if your device allows.
- Create a strong password - Change the password that comes with your network router to one that’s hard to guess.
- Use random words and numbers.
Learn how to create a strong password.
- Turn off auto-connect - This stops your mobile device from automatically connecting to open, unknown Wi-Fi networks, which could be dangerous.
Go to the settings option on your device to make sure it’s not switched on.
- Update the router - Make sure you update the network router as soon as updates are available.