Working from home has its pros and cons. Some employees enjoy having the freedom to create their schedules while others find it challenging to keep up with tasks outside a traditional office. Either way, all remote workers have to face the challenge of maintaining security while working from home. Here are five best cybersecurity tips for new remote employees who want to protect their data and devices.
#1 Use Better Passwords and 2FA
The first step to improving cybersecurity at home is to update your old passwords and set up two factor authentication. Using one password for multiple accounts can bring along very negative consequences, as it makes it a lot easier for hackers to breach through the first defense wall. A good password should contain a long combination of numbers, letters, and symbols, if allowed. Consider using a password manager along with 2FA for best security results.
#2 Set Up Firewalls and Antivirus Software
If you are going to use your personal computer for work purposes, you will exposing both corporate and personal files to major risk. The best way to prevent any malicious activity on your computer is to set up a good firewall and use a well-known antivirus software. The antivirus program will prevent any unauthorized malware downloads from the internet, as well as allow you to scan the device for infected files and similar threats.
#3 Install Updates Regularly
No one likes to sit down and go through the long list of updates available on their device. However, as much as installing updates can seem like a hassle, it is one of the best ways to ensure full security and protection of all your files and information. Make sure to update the operating system as soon as there are new patches available and keep all your security programs up to date as well.
#4 Invest in a VPN
A VPN or a virtual private network will become one of your best friends during quarantine. This service allows you to connect to a distant server and thus fully encrypt data and traffic going to and from your device. Besides ensuring better online security, a VPN will help you unlock any geographically restricted content in your region. For example, if you wish to watch streaming services from another country, you can simply connect to the VPN server located in the country and your virtual location will be changed.
#5 Back Up Your Data
Lastly, you should always keep a copy of your data somewhere safe, just in case things don’t go as planned. No matter how much effort you put into cybersecurity at home, there are still chances that your device might end up hacked. Therefore, it is best to think ahead and save a copy of important information before it is too late.
When working from home, you no longer have a team of cybersecurity experts overlooking the network to make sure there are not threats lurking inside. Instead, you are on your own, left to your own devices to figure out how to keep your data safe and away from third parties. These five tips will certainly help you boost cybersecurity while working remotely, especially if it is your first time going through such an experience.
714-333-9620