Remote working is becoming the norm not only due to the covid-19 pandemic but also because a large portion of the modern workforce is choosing to work remotely. Where remote work offers freedom and flexible work routines, it also comes with its fair share of security risks and digital hazards. Here are 6 things digital workers need to keep an eye out for.
- Procrastination
When your OS, application, or online portal suggests you restart and update a lot of people are quick to hit the 'remind me later' button because they are in the middle of something. They forget that these updates are launched in response to problems people are facing and risks that are developing in real-time.
Leaving things outdated is just asking for problems. Stay on top of security by always being up-to-date with whichever platform you are using.
- Unrestricted Access
Performing your duties remotely will often involve giving suppliers, colleagues, and associates some level of access to your account or data. However, you can't say for sure what kind of security they have in place and whether they can be trusted to begin with.
Giving other people unlimited access and not carefully monitoring their behavior can have dire consequences. They might not be directly involved but they could act as a source through which an attacker gains access.
- Taking Problems For Granted
The system might be running slower, you might notice a new file that you don’t remember downloading, something might seem out of place or maybe your default browser has changed. These are very minor, very subtle changes that could lead to something much bigger. Don’t take these red flags for granted and alert the appropriate person and take proactive steps to manage the situation.
- Using Work Devices For Play
Since you are spending so much time at home working, you become casual about your work device and use it for entertainment. Or worse, you allow family and friends to use your work device while it’s free. It may seem like a harmless move but when you don’t know how your friends and family are using your device and you don’t know how well versed they are in securely browsing the web.
Moreover, even when you use it for entertainment yourself, there is always the possibility that you might go to an unsafe location which could compromise your device. Remember to separate work and play.
- Shortcuts
Sometimes basic security protocols can seem like a cumbersome chore when you just need to get a little task done but need to take a long security walk-around. In such a situation you are tempted to bypass protocol, and rather than signing in using 2-factor authentication you just save the password to the browser and continue.
The browser password is a high-risk location and a favorite location for cybercriminals to snoop around. Don't underestimate security protocols, spend the extra minute and follow proper procedure.
- Weak Credentials
Even though it’s such a fundamental concept to use strong passwords, it’s often overlooked. Especially with people using multiple accounts. They use the same password everywhere, and when one location is compromised, everything goes with it.
More than strong passwords, using 2-factor authentication only takes a moment longer, but people trying to just log in quickly, bypass this step too.
When it comes to security it’s important to not skip the basics and keep all the groundwork tight. These things are so simple and something we face on such a regular basis that we undermine their importance and do what suits us. The consequences can be very expensive so invest your time in digital security.
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