Let us just start by saying there’s nothing normal about this new normal? Millions of people around the world are working from home for the first time. Millions more are looking for temp work or figuring out how to file for unemployment. And just about everyone is trying to stay healthy and productive without losing their minds to boredom.
At the center of everything is technology. Never before in history has the world at large relied so heavily on the internet to work, play, and stay connected.
We take a minute to review how to keep your devices secure and make your work from home experience scam free.
WORK FROM HOME DIGITAL SECURITY TIPS
Over the last decade, remote work and working from home has grown in popularity for many professionals. In fact, a 2018 study found more than 70 percent of global employees work remotely at least once per week. However, the coronavirus pandemic and resulting shutdown in many parts of the world have forced a large number of employers and employees into unfamiliar territory—not just remote work, but full-time working from home (WFH).
Given these circumstances, we figured it would be useful to share some of the security tips we have for WFH
SYSTEM ACCESS
Perhaps your office network was so protected that little thought was given to restricting access to servers with sensitive data. Or perhaps you now have to work on your personal laptop—one that you didn’t think much about securing before coronavirus upended your life.
Either way, it’s time to start thinking about the ways to guard against unauthorized access. If you think cybercriminals (and regular criminals) will be sensitive to global events and refrain from attacking remote workers, sadly, you’d be mistaken.
- Access to the your computer’s desktop should at least be password protected, and the password should be a strong one. If the system is stolen, this will keep the thief from easily accessing company information.
- If office network permissions previously gave you unfettered access to work software, now you may be required to enter a variety of passwords to gain access. If your workplace doesn’t already offer a single sign-on service, consider using a password manager. It will be much more secure than a written list of passwords left on your desk.
- If you’re connecting your work computer to your home network, make sure you don’t make it visible to other computers in the network. If you have to add it to the HomeGroup, then make sure the option to share files is off.
SEPARATE WORK AND PERSONAL DEVICES
Easier said that done, we know. Still, just as it’s important to carve out boundaries between work life and home life while WFH, the same is true of devices. Do you have a child being homeschooled now and turning in digital assignments? Are you ordering groceries and food online to avoid stores? Best not to cross those hairs with work.
- Don’t pay your home bills on the same computer you compile work spreadsheets.
- Don’t send work-related emails from your private email address and vice versa.
- Speaking of homeschooling, it’s especially important to keep your child’s digital curriculum separate from your work device.
SECURE CONNECTIONS
- Make sure you have encrypted access to your organization’s cloud infrastructure.
- Secure your home Wi-Fi with a strong password, in case VPN isn’t an option or if it fails for some reason.
- Access to the settings on your home router should be password protected as well.
CYBERSECURITY BEST PRACTICES
Other WFH security precautions may not be all that different from those you should be practicing in the office, but they are easy to forget when you are working in your own home environment. A few of the most important:
- Be wary of phishing emails. There will be many going around trying to capitalize on fear related to the coronavirus, questions about isolation and its psychological impacts, or even pretending to offer advice or health information. Scan those emails with a sharp eye and do not open attachments unless they’re from a known, trusted source.
- Related to phishing: I’m pretty sure we can expect to see a rise in Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud. Your organization may be sending you many emails and missives about new workflows, processes, or reassurances to employees. Watch out for those disguising themselves as high-ranking employees and pay close attention to the actual email address of senders.
- Beware of overexposure on social media, and try to maintain typical behavior and routine: Do you normally check social media on your phone during lunchtime? Do the same now.
OTHER PRECAUTIONS
Not every organization was prepared for this scenario, so it’s only natural that some may not have the level of remote security in place that others do. Make sure to get yourself up to speed with the guidelines that your organization has in place for remote work. Ask for directions if anything is unclear. Not everyone has the same level of tech savvy—the only stupid question is one that isn’t asked.
Here are some to consider asking your IT team:
- When you are working remote for long periods, make sure you know who is responsible for updates. Are you supposed to keep everything up to date or can your IT department do it for you?
- Your system may require additional security software now that it has left the safer environment of your organization’s network. Check with your IT department on whether you should install addition solutions.
- How will data storage and backup work? Can you save and back up your local files to a corporate cloud solution? Find out which one they prefer you to use in your specific role.
This is a big adjustment for many people. Your first few days of WFH may leave you irritated, uncomfortable, unmotivated, or just plain exhausted. Adding security tips to the list may just add to your fatigue right now. We understand. Take it a day at a time, a step at a time.
When working from home, find a comfortable working area where you can assume a healthy posture, minimize the distraction from others, and where your presence has the least impact on how others have to behave. Take breaks to stretch your legs, and give your eyes a rest. And if you enjoy WFH, now is the time to prove to your employer that it’s a viable option in the long run.
Stay safe, everyone! Now more than ever.