Many employees are staying safe at home. But are they staying safe while working from home? Important work from home security processes need to be implemented to effectively keep your work environment safe.
7 Tips for Work From Home Security
Secure your home router
Cyberattacks can come from exploiting default passwords on home routers because not many people bother to change them, leaving their home network vulnerable. Changing your router’s password from the default to something unique is a simple step users can take to protect home networks from malicious attacks. Make sure firmware updates are installed so known vulnerabilities are not exploited.
Separate Work and Personal Devices
While it may seem annoying to constantly switch between devices to simply pay a bill or online shop, this can help reduce the amount of sensitive data exposed if either your personal or work device has been compromised.
Encrypt Your Devices
You should use the encryption process of encoding information so only authorized parties can access the information with a password, PIN, and/or biometrics.
Update to Supported Operating Systems
Unsupported versions of Windows and OS no longer receive security patches so vulnerabilities put your device and sensitive data at risk. Operating system developers only support the last few major versions, as supporting all versions is costly so do the right thing and upgrade.
Most Operating Systems will automatically apply updates by default but you may need to allow your computer to restart to complete the patching process.
Use a Strong PIN/Password on Your Device
All of the above doesn’t matter if you don’t use a strong password. Read that again. Make sure to avoid anything easy to try, such as repeating numbers or common passwords. Also, don’t use anything related to you, such as your date of birth, license plate, address, etc. A good pin/password should look random to anyone that’s not you.
Use an Antivirus
Antivirus software protects your computer from viruses, spyware, ransomware, trojans, and other types of malware. The software detects or recognizes the virus, and then works on removing it from the computer system or quarantining the files. The software also works as a safeguard so that it not only eliminates a virus but also prevents any potential virus from infecting your computer in the future.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication and Use an Authenticator App
Two-factor authentication is an authentication method where access is granted only after successfully presenting two pieces of information to an authentication mechanism. Two-factor authentication can dramatically reduce the risk of successful phishing emails and malware infections.
Even if the attacker gets your password, they are unable to log in because they do not have the second piece of information required to access the system.
These 7 Keys to Work From Home Security are just the beginning. Most breaches occur through user error/lack of awareness of security risks. Work from Home environments have added additional security concerns. Make sure users are safely accessing organization systems and devices.