Have you ever considered how much time you spend each day using technology? From the moment you wake up and check your phone to the moment you go to bed, chances are you’re interacting with some form of technology. And while we often think of information technology (IT) as something that only affects businesses, the truth is, it plays a role in all of our lives.

Because we use IT so frequently, it’s important to be aware of best practices for IT hygiene. Just like you wouldn’t go a day without brushing your teeth or taking a shower, there are certain things you should do on a regular basis to keep your information safe and secure. Here are six IT hygiene tips for employees:

1. Use strong passwords and never reuse them: A strong password is at least eight characters long and includes a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessed words like your name or birthdate. And never reuse passwords! If one of your accounts is compromised, hackers will try to use that same password to access your other accounts.
2. Keep your software up to date: Out-of-date software can leave you open to security vulnerabilities. Make sure you’re always using the latest version of your operating system, web browser, and any other software you have installed on your devices.
3. Use strong encryption for sensitive information: When sending or storing sensitive information, use strong encryption to help protect it from hackers. A strong encryption algorithm will make it difficult for someone to crack your password and access your information.
4. Use a strong antivirus program: An antivirus program is your first line of defense against malware and other cyberattacks. Make sure you have a good antivirus program installed on all of your devices and keep it up to date.
5. Don’t share sensitive information via email: Email is not a secure communications channel and should not be used to send sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. If you need to share confidential information, use a secure encrypted messaging service instead.
6. Beware of phishing scams: Phishing scams are emails or online messages that attempt to trick you into revealing sensitive information like your password or credit card number. Be extremely careful about any email or online message that asks for personal information, and never click on links or download attachments from unknown sources. If you receive an email or an online message like this, contact the company directly to verify that it’s legitimate before responding.

Follow these tips and you can help keep yourself and your information safe and secure. It’s also a good idea to consider using managed information technology services like Envision Consulting. They offer managed information technology services that can take care of all your information technology needs, so you can focus on running your business. For more information, please visit their website today at www.envision-consulting.com.