Introducing Windward Secure Aware

introducing-windward-secure-aware We are continuing to build a Security-Aware Culture at Windward Software Systems Inc. We initially intended to use this information internally, and we thought why not just share the information with the Windward Software Community as a whole. In 2021 and beyond we will bring security reminders and best practices to you when relevant.

As a business owner, or operator, or even employee; You have responsibilities related to the security of information for yourself, your business, and your customers. Cyber Criminals know that the most vulnerable access points are end-users in a business.

For that reason, it is critically important that you are aware of this fact: You are the person that these attackers count on being the weakest link: the entry point into your software environment. That means you play a critical role in keeping the criminals out.

Today we'll start with the easy stuff.

Our message is simply a reminder to do a very basic security task: check for and apply your Windows Updates when available. These updates occur on a schedule; typically weekly and they often include feature enhancements and security updates that help protect Windows and programs that interact with it from malware and malicious attacks.

Microsoft is always pushing hard on security updates and not just to the Windows operating systems. There are also security updates to Office365 that you will need to apply. You can update Office by opening Outlook, Word or or Excel. Click on File and choose "Office Account". Click on the "Office Updates" button. There you will find the option to Update Now, which will check for and apply any pending updates.

Another very easy security task is to simply TURN OFF your workstation when you are not using it outside of working hours. Criminals use off-work hours to sneak in... particularly on holidays and weekends.