5 Work From Home Cybersecurity Tips


Modern technology has made it easier than ever to work from home, and many companies around the world have switched to fully remote or hybrid work options. Working from home offers many benefits for both employees and employers, but it also presents some unique cybersecurity risks. 

Remote workers are more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats than those who work in the office. It’s important to take steps to protect yourself from hackers and other online security risks, especially when working with sensitive pieces of information. Here are some cybersecurity best practicesOpens in a new tab. to keep in mind for teams working remotely. 

Why are remote workers vulnerable to cyber attacks? 

Remote workers are particularly vulnerable to cyber attacksOpens in a new tab. for a number of reasons. The first is that they often use unsecured WiFi connections, whether that’s a public WiFi connection or a shared WiFi connection at home. Public WiFi connections are particularly vulnerable as there are dozens or even hundreds of people using the same network at any given time. 

Additionally, many remote workersOpens in a new tab. use personal devices rather than secure devices provided by the company. When you are working remotely, it can also be tricky to stay on top of things like software updates, password changes, and other cybersecurity habits that may have been done for you at the office. 

Since so many organizations have switched to remote work over the past several years, cyber attacks have become more common. In fact, many hackers have adjusted their strategies to take advantage of remote work and a lack of security protections in place. 

This is why it’s so important for remote employees to stay vigilant, even when they’re not in the office. It’s also crucial for employers to provide cybersecurity education and make sure that employees have the support they need to work safely from home. 

5 Work From Home Cybersecurity Tips

1. Keep your operating system and software programs updated. 

While working from home, it’s important to update both your devices and the software programs you run on them as often as possible. This means updating the operating system on your computer, tablet, and mobile phone as well as all of your apps. 

This may seem tedious, but it’s incredibly important for preventing cyber attacks. The developers who work on these operating systems and software programs monitor them for bugs and potential vulnerabilities, and these updates are used to make the programs stronger. If you’re using an outdated system or program, hackers can exploit this to gain access to sensitive pieces of data. 

If you often forget to update your devices, try blocking out time on your schedule every month to do so. This way, you can conduct all of your updates without disrupting your work schedule. Most systems and software programs will eventually update automatically if you don’t update them on your own, which can be frustrating.

2. Use a strong password with two-factor authentication. 

Keeping your systems password-protected is incredibly important, whether you’re working at home, on the go, or in the office. This means implementing passwords for all of your work-related software accounts as well as your devices themselves. Ideally, your password should be complex and difficult to guess. 

This means using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols and avoiding obvious sequences or words. Ideally, you should also avoid using things like your birthdate, address, or anything else a hacker could research about you. If you have trouble remembering complex, random passwords, use a secure password manager to keep track of them. 

Additionally, passwords should be secured with two-factor authentication whenever possible. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection to an account by requiring the user to provide multiple pieces of information in order to access it. In addition to a password, the user typically needs to enter a security code sent to them via text message or email. By sending the code to your personal account, it ensures that your account will be safe even if your password is compromised. 

3. Keep work and personal internet use separate. 

When you’re working from home every day, the lines between professional and personal web activities can start to blur. Ideally, your work should provide you with a computer and mobile device specifically for work. If that is the case, make sure to switch back to your own devices for activities like shopping, streaming, or gaming. While this may seem inconvenient, it helps protect both your personal and professional activity from being compromised. 

Many companies are also implementing a bring-your-own-device policy for remote workers. If this is the case for you, try to log out of your work accounts when engaging in personal work activities and vice versa. You’ll also want to make sure that your personal devices are protected with anti-virus software and other security tools. 

4. Use secured networks whenever possible. 

One of the biggest security threats present when working from home is unsecured networks. Many people like to work from cafes, libraries, or hotels for remote work, but public WiFi networks are not secure. Hackers often use public networks to access sensitive data from others on the network. 

Of course, there are some times when you will need to work on the go, especially if you travel frequently. Using a secure private hotspot is the best way to safely work online in public. Many smartphones have a hotspot feature, but you can also purchase a separate hotspot device for a more secure connection and faster speeds. 

It’s also important to make sure your home WiFi network is protected, especially if you live in a dense urban area. Make sure the password on your home router is complex and difficult to guess. Investing in a VPN is another effective way to protect your web traffic at home. A VPN creates an encrypted server, hiding your IP address from others on the web. 

5. Email with caution. 

Many hackers today use emails to carry out their attacks, which is why it’s so important to be cautious when going through your inbox. Phishing attacks sent via email are particularly common. During a phishing attack, the hacker will pose as a trusted entity such as a financial service provider in an attempt to collect login information and other sensitive data. Hackers can also use emails to send ransomware and other forms of malware, which can compromise your operations and damage your devices. 

When going through your inbox, avoid opening any emails with suspicious headlines. While there are filters that can send phishing emails to spam, it’s always possible for some to fall through the cracks. You should also avoid downloading files or clicking on links from unknown senders. 

Keep an eye out for misspellings, poor grammar, or language that just doesn’t sound right. Look at the sender on each email as well – hackers will often use email addresses that look similar to those from major companies, but use slightly different letters or numbers. If you’re unsure of whether to open an email or not, always err on the side of caution. 

With so many cybersecurity risks out there, it’s important to be vigilant while working from home. Protecting your networks and your devices not only keeps your organization’s data secure, but also protects you personally. 

Carl Mazzanti

Carl is Co-Founder and President of eMazzanti TechnologiesOpens in a new tab., CISSP, Microsoft Gold Partner and WatchGuard Platinum One Partner, leading one of the premier IT consulting services for businesses throughout the New York metropolitan area and internationally. The firm manages the Cyber Security coverage for over 400 active organizations ranging from professional services firms to high-end global retailers. eMazzanti is all about delivering powerful, efficient, Cyber Security tools and outsourced IT services, such as computer network management and troubleshooting, threat hunting, PCI DSS compliance, security awareness implementations, mobile workforce technology, malware remediation, cloud computing, and business continuity and disaster recovery.

Steve Todd

Steve Todd, founder of Open Sourced Workplace and is a recognized thought leader in workplace strategy and the future of work. With a passion for work from anywhere, Steve has successfully implemented transformative strategies that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Through Open Sourced Workplace, he fosters collaboration among HR, facilities management, technology, and real estate professionals, providing valuable insights and resources. As a speaker and contributor to various publications, Steve remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of workplace innovation, helping organizations thrive in today's dynamic work environment.

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