3 Ways to Affordably Improve the Security on Company Systems & Apps

Companies that run a tight ship still must consider security. It’s helpful to use modern security procedures with operating systems and software to prevent breaches. Being able to accurately identify a customer logging into their system from their website or mobile app is also very useful and makes their systems much safer than they otherwise would be.

Here are three ways to improve the security at the firm while being financially savvy.

Automatic Logout Procedures

Not every employee remembers to log out of their system when they leave the office for the day. If the PC goes into screen saver mode and this isn’t set to automatically lock their machine, then they might believe it’s safe to leave it that way.

Using an automatic logout procedure at a set time when all employees have left for the day ensures that no single PC is left logged in. For small businesses looking to pinch the pennies, this can be done within Windows 10 using its auto logout procedure that’s built-in without requiring additional software. Other versions can usually be either configured that way or by using verified third-party software to perform the same function.

Passwords, Fingerprint Sensors and Webcam Login Snapshots

Keeping employees using the same password is a problem for companies. Passwords become known over time with over-the-shoulder surfing. Changing the password regularly helps keep the systems safer for all. It’s worth noting that some people get around needing to remember new passwords by writing them on bits of paper and placing them in their work drawer. There must be serious penalties or the risk of instant dismissal for such reckless action which puts the network at risk.

For senior managers, an affordable fingerprint sensor should be added to their systems as a second verification method to thwart people who already know their password. Furthermore, adding a webcam and using software to take a photo each time a user logs in helps to identify an employee or visitor attempting to access the company’s systems improperly.

Verifying a Person’s Identity for Websites and Mobile Apps

For businesses that offer a website or app where they are required to verify the person accessing an account or signing up as a new user, it’s a major challenge. While a social security number is an old-fashioned unique identifier, with data leaks in recent times, some of these records have sadly made their way into the wrong hands. Because of this, using social security numbers alone isn’t a strong enough method of verification for security conscious banks and other companies.

Using Cognito proprietary systems, website owners and app developers can use their verification system to work to identify the user. The more information that the user supplies, the easier it is to verify their true identity.

The company has approved access to a national record of people who have passed away and can ensure that new users aren’t fraudulently using the identity of a deceased person to try to open a new account in their name. Furthermore, the identity verification service provides reassurance to companies that the person logging in is repeatedly doing so from the same mobile device.

As long as companies take the necessary steps to keep their mobile apps, software and hardware secure, they avoid most of the potential problems that other less secure companies often face. A little security ‘medicine’ now avoids a sustained period of pain later on.