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Work-from-Home Digital Security Tips

January 09, 2021

Keep the following cybersecurity tips in mind when working from home.

Working remotely has become a new norm in the modern workforce. While the digital transition has happened gradually over the years, the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 accelerated the push toward advanced technology and alternative work environments. Now, working from home (or WFH for short) has become the new normal for many of us.

When you’re not in the controlled environment of your office, it’s more important than ever to follow best practices for digital security.

Hackers often take advantage of those working remotely to find opportunities for financial gain – especially when there’s a sudden shift to remote work across the country. Many of these scammers are imposters, pretending to be from government officials such as Medicare, Social Security, and other agencies.

So, what can you do to stay safe and keep your company protected? While most organizations have infrastructure in place to prevent cyber-attacks, these hacks often boil down to human error. Keep the following security reminders and best practices in mind.

Secure Your Hardware

  • Physically protect and secure your computer and any secure data in your possession. Keep your devices in a secure place.
  • Make sure your home router does NOT use the default password. Change it to a complex password.
  • Set boundaries between your work and personal life. Keep what you do on your work computer and home computer separate.

Secure your Digital Data

  • Always use your company’s virtual private network (VPN).
  • Utilize the secure file storage and document sharing services your organization offers, such as Microsoft Teams or OneDrive.
  • Email is a source of many/most security data leaks and hacks. If you are sending sensitive documents or other private information, always activate encryption.
  • When creating a Zoom meeting, set a password that attendees are required to enter before joining the meeting.
  • Do not share any confidential or private information on social media.
  • Activate multi-factor authentication security on social media accounts.

If your organization offers (or requires) cybersecurity training, take it seriously! These courses can help you recognize suspicious emails, identify phishing attempts, properly utilize the security measures your organization has in place, and more.

For more at-home tips, visit our Home Life page.