Your desktop might feel like the quickest place to save work-in-progress documents or downloads, but it’s also one of the riskiest. Files saved locally—especially on desktops or laptops—are far more vulnerable to loss, theft, or cyberattacks. If your device is compromised, stolen, or crashes unexpectedly, you could lose critical information. Even worse, sensitive data stored on a local machine could be exposed to unauthorized access or ransomware.
SharePoint is a much safer option for storing and sharing files. It’s encrypted, backed up, and access-controlled, which means your data is safer from both cyber threats and accidents. Plus, your team can access the latest version of a document anytime, anywhere.
Why it's better:
Automatic backups
Permission-based access
Secure file sharing with internal and external collaborators
Using the same password for multiple logins is a huge risk. But who can remember dozens of complex passwords? That’s where password managers like Keeper, LastPass, or Bitwarden come in. They:
Store and encrypt your passwords
Generate strong, unique passwords
Auto-fill logins securely
It’s one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take to prevent unauthorized access.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a crucial security measure that significantly enhances the protection of your digital accounts. By requiring an additional verification step beyond just a password, MFA ensures that even if your password is compromised, unauthorized access is still prevented. This extra layer of security typically involves a second factor, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device, a fingerprint scan, or a facial recognition check. For more on MFA, the costs and options, watch our recorded webinar.
Phishing emails are one of the most common ways hackers get in. Train yourself and your team to:
Double-check the sender’s address
Avoid clicking links from unknown sources
Report suspicious messages to IT
Whether you’re stepping away for 5 minutes or heading to a meeting, always lock your computer. It only takes a second for someone to access sensitive info. To quickly lock your computer on Windows, you can use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + L. This will immediately lock your screen and prompt you to re-enter your password or PIN when you return.