There's no turning your back on IT security anymore. With security breaches at an all-time high this year, it's time to tackle it from every angle. And one key part of the defense is educating your workers. Your employees are the first line of defense against a hack attack or leak of company information.

Too often, it is the careless worker who downloads company files on personal computer and opens the door for the release of information you want to keep under lock and key. Here are some "dos" and "don'ts" of protecting your databases from eWeek.com:

• Never open an email attachment. It's the easiest way for a hacker to get into your system.
• Be cautious about social networking. Don't open links on those sites either.
• Keep security downloads up to date. When the help desk emails an employee to update one, do it immediately.
• Make sure workers do not surf unknown sites. It could be an invitation for a hacker to follow them home.
• Pick your password carefully and change it often. A password such as 1-2-3-4 is an open invitation.

These are all simple tips that should be in the employee manual. It's also a good idea to remind your staff to stay up-to-speed and pay attention to the small stuff before it becomes a big problem.

For more on teaching employees about security:
- check out this eWeek.com article

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