Remote work is becoming a norm, and it is here to stay. But with all the thrills of working from home, it has many risks. One notable risk of remote work aside from the sedentary lifestyle, is the risk of cyber threats. Whether you work remotely or not, cybersecurity threats are real, and they can be vicious.
So, how do you traverse the peculiarities of remote work and the risk of falling prey to cyber threats? First, you must understand that cybersecurity measures are essential even if you work remotely. Porous or nonexistent cybersecurity practices for remote workers spell out trouble and can cause almost irreparable damage. So, as a remote worker, you must be extra sensitive and imbibe some of these best practices we’ll share in this post to ensure the safety of your intellectual effort and stay productive.
Let’s dive in.
Some cyber risks to watch out for
Before implementing best practices for remote work, it is important to understand what cyber risks you’ll possibly face as a remote worker.
Here’s an overview of some cybersecurity risks:
- Phishing Attacks: This is the most common form of cyber attack. Remote workers are targeted with phishing emails and messages that attempt to trick them into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.
- Insecure Wi-Fi Networks: Using some public Wi-Fi networks can expose you to various types of attacks. Cybercriminals can intercept the network and gain access to your system.
- Unsecured Devices: Your personal work devices can expose you to some security threats if they are not properly secured. It is easy to think there are no threats since you work remotely, but you must be thorough.
- Lack of Physical Security: Remote work settings typically do not have the same physical security measures as traditional offices, and this can increase the risk of unauthorized access to devices and information.
- Outdated Software: Failing to keep software updated can leave vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.
- Social Engineering: This is almost not noticeable. Attackers can exploit you psychologically and deceive you into giving out sensitive information.
While these threats may seem harmful at first view, if you implement necessary security measures and practices, you’ll have your security worries reduced and can focus on more productive tasks.
Best security practices for remote workers
Cybersecurity risks can easily be overlooked by remote workers, but this is a ghastly mistake that can cause severe damage. Not to worry, below are some security practices that can help you stay secure as a remote worker and avoid getting hacked by cybercriminals:
- Always Use Strong Passwords: Don’t give cybercriminals an easy ride into your system, ensure you use strong and unique passwords for your remote work devices.
- Use Strong Authentication: Give your applications and software an extra layer of security by implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all your accounts.
- Use Secure Wi-Fi Connections: When working with confidential data, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks. Install a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection if necessary.
- Use Company-Approved Tools: Stick to approved software, collaboration platforms, and file-sharing services to ensure compliance and security standards are met.
- Update Software Regularly: To reduce weaknesses, keep your operating system, applications, antivirus software, and security patches up to date.
- Be Covert: Always ensure that your workspace is private and secure. When not in use, lock your mobile device and do not display any sensitive information.
- Data Encryption: When you encrypt sensitive data, it stays inaccessible even if it gets hacked. This safeguards your sensitive information.
- Weekly/Occasional Checks: Conduct periodic checks on your applications, log out and log back on, and change passwords if needed.
- Attend Cybersecurity Training: As a remote worker, ensure you attend cybersecurity training and awareness sessions. Employers of remote workers must ensure that they educate their remote workers on cybersecurity risks, including phishing awareness and social engineering tactics.
- Ask Questions: Unsure about a link you received via mail? Always verify with your colleagues or cybersecurity experts if you have any such experiences that seem unusual.
There you have it, some best practices to help you stay secure in your remote work. By following these practices and staying vigilant, you can greatly reduce the risk of cybersecurity breaches, maintain stability, and do your best work.