Seven tips while working remotely
Working outside the office doesn’t have to mean sacrificing cybersecurity
Remote work gained popularity during the pandemic and proved convenient for many team members. As a result, many of you have access to remote work – some regularly, others to take care of things after hours, and others to stay productive while traveling or out of the office.
While convenient, working remotely can present security challenges. Rather than being hard-lined to one network, team members are logging in from far-flung locations and through strange machines and connections. However, if everyone follows a few basic rules and best practices, remote offices can be as safe as they are comfortable. Here are some things to remember:
- Secure your logins: Use strong passwords (12 characters with a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and punctuation) for each device and app and consider multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible.
- Keep Wi-Fi private: Bolster home security by setting a strong password, enabling encryption, and ensuring the router’s firmware is up to date. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in conjunction with the VPN login when working from home.
- Public Wi-Fi is not secure: The most significant threat using public Wi-Fi available at coffee shops, hotels, airports, and other locations is the ability for a hacker to position themselves between you and the connection point. The use of a VPN connection is a must with public Wi-Fi connections. MFA should also be used in conjunction with the VPN login.
- Don’t bite on scams: Be extra vigilant about phishing emails and texts designed to get you to hand over personal information that could compromise you and the company. Watch for misspellings, fake emails and URLs, and anything pressuring you to “act now.”
- Focus on your camera: Shield yourself (and any important documents) from bad actors who might hack into webcams to steal a peek. Invest in a sliding cover – or use a small piece of paper – to cover your computer camera when it’s not in use.
- Shut the (video) conference room door: When the cameras are in use for Zoom or video conferencing, keep out intruders. Require passwords or control admittance from the waiting room and ensure your conferencing software is up to date with the latest patches.
- Keep your work life separate: Resist the temptation to do work on personal phones, tablets, and laptops. Designate one device solely for business and keep it locked and away from other family members when you’re logged off.
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