In a traditional corporate environment, it is customary to have a team of IT security experts who will monitor your network for security risks. Ensuring online security outside of the physical workplace can be way more challenging, however.
This article provides a detailed checklist, outlining best practices recommended to implement while working from home.
Make sure your work device is secure
Using a personal computer for work opens you up to a new set of security risks.
For starters, it may already have unsafe software installed on it by you or someone else who has used the device before.
If you need to use your computer away from the office, you must adhere to your company’s safety measures as much as possible.
You shouldn’t let anybody else access your work device. It’s an especially good idea to lock your laptop’s screen before leaving it unattended and using a complex combination as a password.
Keep prying eyes away from your smartphone if you deal with sensitive information on your mobile device as well.
Employers should also stress the importance of reporting lost or stolen devices immediately. It’s necessary to take remedial action to protect confidential information.
Cloud Storage
The ability to set one’s schedule and work conditions is an important perk for remote workers. However, remote work is also often associated with poor cybersecurity hygiene, especially as far as data storage is concerned.
Cloud storage incorporates complex data encryption
to provide significant benefits and added security for individuals and organizations alike. Cloud storage services facilitate file management, information sharing, and employee collaboration. They can be especially helpful for companies with international teams.
To those working individually and having no access to larger corporate-based security solutions, the use of cloud storage services can ensure a risk-free working environment and provide users with peace of mind.
Encrypt your data
Protect the data on your work computers and other devices with the help of encryption. That way, even if you lose your phone or computer, your private information will be safe. Virtually all modern devices come equipped with encryption software. You should also record your recovery code and keep it in a secure location.
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) protects your data and online communications. It encrypts data so only intended recipients can decrypt it with a unique code.
Update your software often
Software updates address new vulnerabilities and problems. Using an out-of-date app or OS leaves your device vulnerable to security issues.
Use complex passwords to secure your online accounts
The security of your work accounts relies on the strength of your passwords. So it is advisable to use different passwords for each account. Use a reliable password manager if you’re having trouble remembering all your credentials.
Password-protecting your work laptop, phone, or tablet is also a must. Use complex combinations with upper- and lower-case characters, punctuation marks, and numbers.
Consider replacing your password with a passphrase. Phrases need more thought and effort to crack than single words. It is more difficult to break a longer password with brute force. Password safeguards can guarantee that only authorized personnel can access sensitive company information.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Your online information is vulnerable if you rely solely on password protection, even if those passwords are unique and strong. 2FA is a simple and efficient method of adding an extra layer of security to online accounts. It is available on several major platforms.
With 2FA, hackers can’t access your account even if they have your password. One-time password generator apps and 2FA tokens are the safest options.
Safely connect to the company network
Do not use insecure third-party apps to send sensitive information. Only use a secure Virtual Private Network.
Secure your online activity using a VPN. It encrypts all your data in transit and hides your IP address. In principle, VPN may protect your privacy and security by routing your Internet traffic through its servers.
These are the most common situations in which a VPN would be helpful:
- Block any attempts to spy on your online activity.
- Avoid censorship restrictions imposed by your government or the service provider.
- Add extra layers of protection when using public WiFi.
Make sure your home WiFI is safe
There is a factory-set password on routers. But they are simple and used on several devices. Updating your router’s password is a good idea, especially if you’ve shared it with guests.
Also, turn on encryption. These days, data encryption is standard on most routers. But it is often disabled by default. Before trusting your home WiFi network with critical information, ensure WPA2 encryption is on. Without such protections, a curious neighbor could listen in on your system.
Switch off SSID broadcasting to prevent hackers from finding your WiFi network. It will keep other people from connecting to your WiFi. Even if you switch off SSID broadcasting, your device will remember your WiFi network’s name.
Ensure secure online video conferencing
Remove private documents from your desk and anywhere else visible on camera.
Sharing your screen in a video chat means anyone can see everything on it. So it’s important to hide any sensitive information. Many video callers upload screenshots on social media, revealing sensitive information.
Better yet, don’t post screenshots of online meetings on social media. Phishers might find valuable information to help them create more convincing phishing attacks.
Password-protect video conferences or restrict access.
Zoom bombing—jumping into unsecured conference calls—is a new trend. Criminals do this to disseminate disruptive or insulting material. Password-protect your conference calls or use services that don’t let random people join.
Follow email security best practices
Unfortunately, phishing emails are still the most popular and damaging cyberattack. Users are the intended victims of these attacks rather than infrastructure.
In 2020, phishing emails accounted for up to 54% of digital vulnerabilities, making them a primary entry point for ransomware. The pervasive nature of these attacks costs businesses around $4.35 million.
Knowing how to spot and avoid typical phishing scams is crucial. Step two is to restrict access to sensitive data.
If attackers don’t know your email address, they can’t target you. You should not share personal information on your websites or social media pages, such as your phone number or address. To successfully engineer a cyberattack, hackers need all of this information.
Do not rush through an email. Phishing attempts are not flawless. There is usually some giveaway, such as a fake sender address, suspicious links, or many spelling and grammar issues. Report it if you think it might be questionable.
Always use caution when opening emails from strangers. Never open a link or download an attachment without first checking the validity of the source. Malware, like ransomware or spyware, can infiltrate a device or network and is highly common in attachments.
Never blindly click on a link to verify the destination URL without hovering over it. A hacker may use a shortened URL to mask a malicious link.
You should never submit your password on a website unless you’re sure it’s safe. Password reset links are likely phishing attempts if you haven’t requested a password reset. It’s another reason to use password managers. They can detect bogus websites.
You may not have complete access to our technological infrastructure when working from home. When you don’t have the protection of a company network and an in-house IT department, you can also have to handle some serious cybersecurity challenges.
Safeguard your online activity while working from home by being knowledgeable about and observant of cybersecurity best practices.
Related Question:
Q: What steps should employers take to support employees in maintaining online security while working from home?
A: Employers should provide guidelines and training on cybersecurity best practices, offer VPN access, implement secure communication tools, and regularly update employees on potential threats and how to avoid them.
Q: How can employees identify phishing attempts and avoid falling victim to them?
A: Employees should be aware of common phishing red flags, such as unsolicited emails, poor grammar and spelling, suspicious links or attachments, and urgent requests for sensitive information. Verify the sender’s identity before responding and report any suspicious activity to the IT department.
Q: How can employees ensure their home Wi-Fi network is secure?
A: Employees should change the default username and password for their Wi-Fi router, enable WPA3 encryption, regularly update firmware, and disable remote management features.
Q: Are there any additional tools or software that can help improve online security while working from home?
A: Tools such as password managers, encrypted messaging apps, and security browser extensions can provide added layers of protection for remote workers.
Q: How can employees separate their work and personal devices to maintain privacy and security?
A: Employees should use separate devices or create separate user profiles for work and personal use, avoid using work devices for personal tasks, and ensure that sensitive work data is only stored on approved devices and platforms.
Q: What should employees do if they suspect their device or account has been compromised?
A: Employees should immediately report the issue to their IT department, change their passwords, and follow any additional instructions provided by the organization to mitigate potential risks.
FAQs Covered in this Article
Q: Why is it important to safeguard your online activity while working from home?
A: Safeguarding your online activity while working from home is crucial for protecting sensitive company information, maintaining your privacy, and avoiding cyber threats that can compromise your data and systems.
Q: What basic security measures should be in place for a home office setup?
A: Basic security measures for a home office setup include using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping software updated, and installing antivirus and firewall protection.
Q: How can employees maintain their privacy while working remotely?
A: Employees can maintain their privacy by using a virtual private network (VPN), being cautious about sharing personal information online, and adjusting privacy settings on social media and other online platforms.
Q: What role does a VPN play in securing your online activity while working from home?
A: A VPN encrypts your internet connection, hides your IP address, and allows you to access the internet securely and anonymously. This helps protect your data and privacy while working remotely.
Q: How can employees protect their devices from malware and other cyber threats?
A: Employees can protect their devices by regularly updating their operating systems and software, installing antivirus and firewall software, and avoiding clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
Q: Why is it essential to back up your data when working from home?
A: Backing up your data ensures that you have a copy of your important files in case of data loss, accidental deletion, or a cyber attack. Regular backups can help minimize the impact of these events and aid in a quicker recovery.
Q: What precautions should employees take when using public Wi-Fi while working remotely?
A: When using public Wi-Fi, employees should use a VPN to encrypt their connection, avoid accessing sensitive information or conducting financial transactions, and ensure their device’s security measures are up-to-date.
Q: How can employees ensure their video conferencing sessions are secure?
A: Employees can ensure their video conferencing sessions are secure by using a trusted platform, enabling password protection, not sharing meeting links publicly, and being mindful of what they share on their screens during meetings.
