Intelligent CIO APAC Issue 03 | Page 24

IT ’ S IMPERATIVE THAT AUSTRALIAN ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES PUT IN PLACE GOOD CYBERSECURITY PRACTICES .
TRENDING
the financial sector having grown by 238 % according to a Modern Bank Heists report .
If we are to protect the stability and longevity of our society , individuals will need to apply the same sense of responsibility they have for limiting COVID-19 exposure to limiting the cyber-risks they create for themselves and the organizations they interact with . In short , people need to start practicing ‘ digital distancing ’.
What is digital distancing ?
The concept of digital distancing is similar to that of social distancing . Digital distancing looks at taking precautions focused on cyberspace and limiting the potential risk of intrusions from malicious actors affecting ourselves and those using our networks .
In practicing digital distancing , if you or someone close to you falls victim to a cyberattack on your home network because you failed to take the proper precautions , you can become a vector for a larger intrusion affecting countless others beyond yourself . The implication is that just as is the

IT ’ S IMPERATIVE THAT AUSTRALIAN ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES PUT IN PLACE GOOD CYBERSECURITY PRACTICES .

case with social distancing , we bear a social responsibility to those around us to do what we can to remain secure .
How do I practice digital distancing ?
Adopting digital distancing practices is relatively simple and involves taking steps that most people should find accessible and easy to implement . Here ’ s how to get started :
Tom Kellermann , Head of Cybersecurity Strategy , VMware Carbon Black
1 . Use a VPN : One of the first steps to take in securing your remote work operations is to use a Virtual Private Network ( VPN ). A VPN obfuscates all of your web traffic , both by encrypting the data transferring back and forth from your system as well as masking your location and IP address . The result is that it becomes more difficult to snoop on what you ’ re doing online , giving you a solid layer of security against wouldbe attackers .
2 . Use both router networks : Many people don ’ t realize it , but every Wi- Fi router comes with the ability to simultaneously host two separate Wi-Fi networks . A simple digital distancing best practice you can employ is to create one network for personal use , and the other for professional work . The protections offered by taking this step are two-fold : intrusions via your personal devices and activities cannot be used to tunnel back to your organization ’ s network with potentially catastrophic and far-reaching results and intrusions made into your organization ’ s network cannot be used to then target others in your home .
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