What is Cyber Security?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, unauthorized access, and damage. It involves a range of technologies, processes, and practices designed to safeguard the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information. The goal of cybersecurity is to defend against various threats such as hacking, malware, ransomware, phishing, and other malicious activities that can compromise sensitive data or disrupt operations. With the increasing reliance on digital systems, robust cybersecurity measures are critical to protecting both personal and organizational assets.

Why is Cyber Security important?

Cybersecurity is crucial in the workplace because it protects sensitive company and customer data from cyber threats such as hacking, phishing, and malware attacks. A breach can result in significant financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences. Effective cybersecurity measures ensure data integrity and confidentiality, help maintain the trust of clients and stakeholders and support the smooth operation of business activities. In an increasingly digital world, robust cybersecurity practices are essential for safeguarding organizational assets and maintaining a competitive advantage.

Signs of Cyber Attacks

Employees should remain vigilant for signs of hacking, phishing, and malware attacks by monitoring for unusual system activity, unexpected login prompts, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. They should be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages requesting personal information or urging immediate action, especially those containing unfamiliar links or attachments. Suspicious emails often contain spelling errors, generic greetings, and domain names slightly altered to appear legitimate. Employees should also be wary of pop-up alerts about system issues that prompt them to download software, as this could be malware. Regular training and awareness can help employees recognize and respond appropriately to these threats, protecting the workplace from potential cyberattacks.

Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security process that requires users to provide two or more verification factors to access a system or application. MFA enhances security by combining something the user knows (such as a password), something the user has (like a smartphone or hardware token), and something the user is (such as a fingerprint or other biometric data). This layered approach makes it significantly harder for unauthorized individuals to gain access, even if they have obtained the user’s password. At Encompass, each employee is required to set up MFA with their company email address.

Password Tips

Creating strong passwords is a fundamental aspect of cybersecurity. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to create complex passwords. Avoid using easily guessable information, such as names, birthdays, or common words. Each account should have a unique password to prevent a single breach from compromising multiple accounts. Regularly updating passwords and avoiding reuse are crucial. Consider using a password manager to generate and securely store complex passwords. Whenever possible, enable MFA to add an extra layer of security for both work and personal accounts.

We are thrilled to announce that Encompass Services has been awarded the prestigious Gold Safety Award from Highwire! This incredible honor reflects our unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards in the industry.

To put this achievement into perspective, only the top 20% of contractors—out of more than 50,000 companies on the Highwire Platform—make the cut for this award, scoring between 85-94 in the Highwire safety risk assessment. And we've done it!

A massive thank you to our amazing Encompass team for their hard work and commitment to excellence. This recognition is a testament to all of you!