Since the introduction of personal computers and the World Wide Web, the world has adopted countless applications of digital devices and online capabilities. Aside from communication, technology also helped governments, banks, and businesses in automation, completing tasks quicker and achieving complex projects.
However, despite these benefits, the risks from malware, theft, and other criminal acts are still existing. As more organizations and individuals rely on phones, computers, and the Internet for entertainment, messaging, and even work, digital security has never been more crucial. Thus, if you’re working remotely and are looking to improve online safety, please read on. Below, we’ll discuss various helpful work-from-home cybersecurity tips.
Content Summary
Try cloud applications
Get a VPN service
Use a password manager
Use Spokeo Protect
Avoid using public or outside Wi-Fi connections
Employ two-factor authentication (2FA)
Ensure regular backups
Work Securely From Home
About Author
Try cloud applications
Unlike locally installed applications, cloud programs run on remote servers. Moreover, aside from location barriers, most cloud providers and companies employ advanced and robust security methods making it hard for intruders to infiltrate their systems. Contrary to that, most personal computers only use built-in or 3rd-party antiviruses for protection, which are not always reliable.
Regarding remote work, there are currently countless cloud alternatives for many local applications. Figma, Google Workspace, and many others offer similar or even superior performance than the competition. Besides, many apps now have online versions, so it’s best to check the developers’ websites for clarifications.
Get a VPN service
Remote work usually requires communicating and transmitting files from and to bosses, co-workers, and customers. However, while most home internet connection seems safe, there are still risks of hackers infiltrating or getting ahold of sensitive information or data.
Thankfully, one can add a layer of security by getting a VPN. If unfamiliar, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) masks a connection by redirecting online requests to one or more external servers before reaching websites or server destinations. As a result, this will conceal a user’s IP address, location and make it harder for criminals to steal information and files between data packet transfers. Currently, there are many options for reliable VPN providers that are easy to use and follow no-log policies.
Use a password manager
Given how most people have different online accounts, remembering passwords can be quite challenging. Consequently, many people are using short keyphrases and reusing passwords across logins. However, while this is convenient, it lets hackers break into multiple accounts by compromising only one or two login credentials.
Fortunately, one can easily use a password manager to address this issue. With services like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane, remote workers can store, generate, and access unique and strong passwords using only a single master keyphrase. Lastly, hackers can’t use user-stored items after data breaches since most password manager companies employ high-level encryptions.
Use Spokeo Protect
Aside from politicians, business people, and other magnates, cybercriminals also target individuals and workers for money, identity theft, and many illicit acts. Moreover, given how anyone can access the Internet, getting these types of information is much easier than ever. Luckily, there are plenty of choices for identity protection software and services.
Spokeo Protect, an excellent feature of Spokeo, allows individuals, including remote workers, to safeguard their sensitive information from the public’s eyes. With Spokeo Protect’s identity protection and anti fraud technology, users could secure their credit, financial accounts, social security number, medical insurance, and many more.
Avoid using public or outside Wi-Fi connections
In any public Wi-Fi, hackers can install backdoors like keyloggers and Wi-Fi Pineapple to trick individuals with fake login pages, steal data, and transmit malware. As a precaution, it’s best to only connect to home Wi-Fi or use mobile data/hotspot when working outside. However, suppose it’s necessary or the only choice one has at a given moment. In that case, it’s better to use a non-work laptop, VPN, firewall and avoid typing or accessing sensitive information.
Employ two-factor authentication (2FA)
2FA or Two-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security for online accounts. After typing the email/username and password, a website or app will require a unique code for verification. Moreover, codes can come from emails, SMS, or offline 2FA apps like Authy and Google Authenticator.
Since most programs and services have or support this feature, it’s best to turn them on. In most sites, 2FA toggles are typically located inside settings and require simple confirmation to connect the account and external code source. After that, it shouldn’t take a minute to log in to accounts every time.
Ensure regular backups
Even with high-level security and carefulness, cybercriminals will still find ways to break in. In this case, it would be best to secure copies and backups of every essential thing. By doing so, even after data corruption, data breaches, or other hacks, one won’t have to suffer from lost projects and important work files. However, it’s still best to isolate and store sensitive information like unreleased products, corporate emails, and company secrets into more reliable storage solutions.
Work Securely From Home
While not everyone experienced attacks from hackers, it’s not a reason to ignore cybersecurity. Given how much damage criminals inflicted to governments and corporations, it’s safe to assume that they can easily compromise a person’s accounts, data, and even identity. Finally, since working from home relies on computers and the Internet, using every protection method and following security tips, like the items above, would help.
About Author
Maguire Haigh is a marketing manager for Spokeo. He is interested in the latest technology trends, marketing strategies and business development. He also prefers traveling, exploring the world and meeting new people. Maguire has great experience in creating and editing articles on different topics.
