The Best Security Protocols for Your Employees
Even with the latest firewalls, antivirus tools, and automatic software updates, many Minnesota businesses still face one of the biggest cybersecurity risks of all their own employees.
According to IBM’s Cyber Security Intelligence Index, 60% of cyberattacks involve insiders, and about one-third come from unintentional employee mistakes. Whether it’s clicking a malicious link, using a weak password, or sharing data through unsecured channels, simple human errors can open the door to serious cyber threats.
While perfection isn’t realistic, implementing strong security protocols can drastically reduce your company’s risk. With the right tools, training, and support, your team can become your strongest line of defense not your weakest link.
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Strengthen Password Management
It’s no secret that employees often reuse passwords across multiple platforms and hackers know it too. A single compromised password can unlock access to multiple business systems, customer databases, or email accounts.
Here’s how to tighten password security in 2025:
- Require complex, unique passwords for every account.
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) across your network.
- Encourage employees to change passwords regularly.
- Use a secure password manager (like 1Password or LastPass for Business).
- Train staff never to share passwords over email or messaging apps.
With the rise of AI-driven phishing and credential stuffing attacks, password management isn’t just an IT task it’s a business survival skill.
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Protect Sensitive Information During Transfer
Minnesota businesses often share sensitive data between clients, vendors, and remote teams but even a simple email attachment can expose you to risk.
Make sure your employees understand that standard email is not secure for transmitting confidential data. Instead, use encrypted file-transfer systems or secure cloud platforms with access controls and activity tracking.
Additional best practices include:
- Classify data by sensitivity level.
- Limit access to “need-to-know” users.
- Password-protect all confidential files.
- Regularly audit shared drives and permissions.
Investing in a Zero Trust framework where every access request is verified is now a key part of modern cybersecurity.
Secure Your Team Before the Next Cyber Threat Hits
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Encourage Open Communication and Rapid Reporting
Building a culture of cyber awareness is just as important as having strong firewalls. Encourage your employees to report suspicious emails, device issues, or odd network behavior immediately.
False alarms are fine; silence is dangerous.
Even one “innocent click” can let a cybercriminal into your system.
Establish clear, judgment-free reporting channels and make sure your IT or managed service provider (like Vodigy Networks) responds quickly to alerts.
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Promote Privacy Awareness
While you can’t control what employees share on social media, you can educate them about privacy risks. Encourage everyone to:
- Set social media profiles to private.
- Avoid sharing company-related details online.
- Be cautious about unsolicited messages or connection requests.
The more public personal information is online, the easier it is for hackers to craft personalized phishing attacks. Remind employees that cybersecurity at work starts with privacy at home.
Minnesota Businesses Deserve Local Cybersecurity Expertise
From Minneapolis to St. Paul and across the Twin Cities metro, local businesses face evolving threats from ransomware targeting small enterprises to phishing campaigns aimed at healthcare and finance.
At Vodigy Networks, we help Minnesota organizations build strong, secure technology foundations through:
✅ Managed IT and cybersecurity services
✅ Advanced spam and phishing protection
✅ Multi-factor authentication and access control
✅ Employee cybersecurity training and awareness
Your people are your greatest asset and with the right security protocols, they can also be your greatest protection.
Protect Your Minnesota Business Today
Don’t wait until a mistake turns into a breach.
Partner with Vodigy Networks to strengthen your employee cybersecurity from the inside out.
📞 Call us today or visit vodigynetworks.com we’ll help you build a safer, smarter business network.
