Remote work has become a way of life very quickly, hasn’t it? Loads of businesses and their people are reaping the rewards of flexibility and convenience.
But it also brings cyber security challenges that demand your attention. Of course, this should always be a concern, but when you have employees working from home, a coffee shop, or anywhere else for that matter, you need to make sure they’re making wise decisions that put the security of your data at the forefront.
These are 5 habits your remote workers should adopt straight away.
Choose your work location wisely
Working from a favorite coffee shop or a picturesque park may seem like a dream come true, but it can expose you to more cyber security risks. Over-the-shoulder attacks, where cyber criminals discreetly snoop on your screen in public spaces, might seem unlikely, but they have real potential to lead to data breaches. Employees should choose to work in quieter, more private settings to minimize this risk.
Beware of public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are a common breeding ground for cyber threats. If your people must work from a public place, ask them to avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi. These networks can be less secure and make you vulnerable to hacking. Instead, use your phone’s hotspot for a safer internet connection. And a VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts data.
Invest in security software
This serves as a protective shield against malware and cyber attacks. It’s a valuable addition to both company-provided and personal devices. Not only does it safeguard business data, but it can also shield your personal information, such as credit card details and sensitive documents.
Keep everything updated
Regularly updating all your devices is not just about gaining access to new features; it’s also about staying secure. Software updates contain crucial security fixes that patch vulnerabilities. Remember, it’s not just laptops and phones that need updating, but also routers and any IoT (Internet of Things) devices connected to your network.
Manage household risks
Even within the confines of their homes, computers hold sensitive business information. If your employees have housemates, children, or other family members sharing their space, ask them to consider implementing parental controls to prevent accidental data breaches.
By adopting these smart habits, as well as taking the right security measures, you can let your people enjoy the benefits of remote work – while everything stays secure and safe.
If we can help keep your remote set-ups secure, get in touch.