With work from home (WFH) being the new normal for many and increasing every day, it’s imperative that you maintain a high level of security when working remotely over the internet. 

This article is a resource to bring awareness to cybersecurity while you work from home in an effort to protect yourself, you and your company’s confidential information, as well as your privacy. Even if you don’t work from home, you can benefit from information presented here to better improve your computer security practices.

Software Updates

Perform latest software updates to fix security flaws and continue to safeguard your data, including updates on your smartphone.

VPN Security

Keep VPN switched on as long as you’re working to maintain a secure, encrypted connection and protect confidential data, customer information, and proprietary knowledge.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) works like a virtual tunnel when you’re connected to the internet, keeping your data and IP address protected. Many employers provide their own VPN to securely sign into work files and servers. 

Beware of Public WiFi

Avoid using public Wi-Fi since most networks are unsecure. Prevent cyberspies from trying to intercept your data by using a VPN or a personal hotspot or waiting to upload/share your work until you are back on a secured network. 

Phishing Scams

Be aware of phishing scams trying to steal your information. If an email or text message looks suspicious, do not reply and delete it. Many times scammers pretend to be your employer, financial institution or other important company in an effort to steal your login credentials or other sensitive information.

Password Protection

Create strong passwords, using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, as well as numbers and special characters. Vary your passwords so you’re not using the same one for every site login. 

If you need help to remember passwords, use a secured password management app, many of which are available in the Apple App Store and Google App Store. Make sure you have a password to log onto your computer and that your WiFi network is protected with its own unique password. Don’t forget to secure your printer too, as many printers now work through WiFi connection. 

Avoid using any personal information as part of your password, like your birthday, or sequential numbers.

Antivirus Protection

Use antivirus and internet security software to protect your computer from viruses, malware and spyware. Update accordingly to ensure firewalls and spam filtering tools are providing the maximum protection.

Keep Devices Separate

Your work computer is for work, therefore do not use it for personal reasons, stream services or allow other family members access to this device. Prevent any sensitive data from being jeopardized.

Webcam Awareness

Cover your webcam with a sliding cover or simply tape over with a small piece of paper. This is an inexpensive way to protect your privacy in case hackers infiltrate your webcam. Also avoid unknowingly being on camera while participating in a videoconference. If you use a standalone webcam, unplug it while not in use.

Company Server Storage

Use your company’s storage system so your documents and work are backed up and protected using encryption and firewalls.

Secure Video Conferencing

Secure video conferences with a password to gain access to control guest access and prevent unwanted people from attending your meeting. Most web conference services (Zoom, Skype, WebEx, etc.) will include these security features. 

Secured Websites

Only sign in to sensitive websites (like online banking) that are secured by https:// (the “s” stands for secure) at the beginning of the web address. Never provide your online banking credentials by email, text or over the phone. Your bank will never contact you to ask for this information. 

Know Your Company’s Data Security Policy

Employers should establish a data security policy to handle situations when data is breached, whether from outside the company (such as hackers or malware) or internally from employee non-compliance (employers can monitor employee remote work activity to verify best security practices are being used consistently). 

Employees should have a clear understanding of this policy as well as be equipped with the necessary equipment and software to have their devices protected initially and ongoing.

Use Auto-Locking

Enable auto-locking when away from your device for a certain period of time to avoid anyone from gaining access to your files.

Two-factor Authentication

Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra level of protection so phishers and scammers can’t gain access even if they’ve stolen your password.

Two-factor authentication requires two separate forms of identification in order to access something. The first factor is a password and the second factor is usually a text with a code to your smartphone, or biometrics using your fingerprint, face, or retina. 

Wipe Your Devices

Wipe your device before selling or disposing it, remember to transfer any files first. 

There When You Need Us

If you have any questions about securing your financial information or how we can help your business transactions stay secure, contact us at (858) 270-5881.

All the facts you’ll need to avoid fraud are included in our comprehensive Cybersecurity Awareness collection of articles and tools.