In this post, we will show you online security tips for remote workers.
Coronavirus has been the major topic on almost everyone’s lip since the start of the year 2020. Countries are doing their best to contain the situation and prevent a disaster.
As the world battles the coronavirus pandemic, almost everyone in highly affected countries have been forced to work from home. If you are one such person, you should endeavour to prioritize online security while performing your jobs.
You are working for your company remotely and not yourself. It would be unfortunate if your computer encounters a security breach and it could take a toll on your company’s businesses.
Online Security Tips for Remote Workers
As a result, here are some online security tips for remove workers you should implement:
Use a Work Computer
To start with, which computer are you going to work with remotely? It will not be a good idea to use your personal computer at home to carry out your work activities. The reason is so that you do not mix up work files with personal files. Your work files are to be handled with care.
Your personal computer is more at security risk because you carry out many casual activities with it like gaming, watching videos, and music. Sometimes, these downloaded files can corrupt a computer.
If you work with a laptop at your workplace, it’ll be very easy for you to carry it home with you. If you use a desktop, you can simply get a separate laptop to use.
Use a VPN
With a VPN, you can change your home to IP address to a different one. It is a private network that allows you to securely connect with a different network on the internet. While working remotely, a VPN offers the advantage of being safe from hackers and other cybercriminals.
If you work in a different city, a VPN can let you work from home using the city’s IP address and making it look like you are working from your workplace. This is also beneficial if your company places certain restrictions on work accounts based on regions, a VPN can help you by-pass all these.
A VPN can also be used to connect directly with your work computer but it requires a router setting on both your work computer and the computer you’ll be using at home. There are lots of secure VPNs available; some you can try are SurfShark, PureVPN, and CyberGhost VPN.
Store sensitive data on the cloud
It is ideal to store very sensitive data on the cloud when you work from home and not on your local storage. Such sensitive company data are confidential and are only allowed to be accessed on the company’s computer. Storing it on your local storage puts it at risk of exposure if you fail to delete it upon resumption.
Also, storing data on the cloud makes it fast and easy for you to share files with co-workers. You simply drop a link that provides them with access to download. The major advantage here is that they will be able to access it anywhere they are working. Not to mention cloud storage saves space in your PC.
Some recommended cloud storage you can use includes Acronis True Image 2020, Google Docs, Dropbox, OneDrive, and iCloud.
Install an anti-virus
Another important online security tip for remote workers is antivirus installation. If you do not have one installed before, now is a time that you must. Just like how the coronavirus is infecting humans and spreading among them, computer viruses affect files and also spread to other ones.
A virus that affects your work files will damage or delete them which results in data loss. If it takes over your local storage, your hard disk can be reformatted. Often, you will experience crashes and your PC will be very slow.
Anti-virus software fights against these viruses and also malware. They scan your PC and if any is identified, it helps get rid of it. Most anti-viruses provide real-time security such that your PC is protected from prospective virus attacks. Here are some good anti-viruses to use –Heimdal Security, Norton Antivirus, Kaspersky Antivirus, F-Secure Antivirus, BullGuard, and others.
Encrypt your Wi-Fi
If you will be working with a home Wi-Fi, it is necessary to encrypt it. Wi-Fi encryption is very easy but, most people often overlook it especially at home. Your family might not but, your next-door neighbor can access and hack your Wi-Fi if not encrypted.
The most secure Wi-Fi encryption currently is the WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2). It uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) to encrypt your Wi-Fi but all you have to do is to set a secure password.
Conclusion
There you have it! Online security tips for remote workers.
Whether you’re working remotely or not, security is very important when going online. The tips listed above will help tighten your security so you shouldn’t drag your feet. Apply them to stay safe while we all anticipate the end of this global pandemic.
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Hi Amaya, thanks for such an informative article. Currently, cybersecurity is one of the major concerns for employees as well as employers. With everyone working from home using their personal systems and network, data has become more prone to getting attacked by scammers. Thus, it is essential to follow the mentioned tips. Moreover, businesses can also opt for the Security-as-a-Service feature to ensure the high-end security of their crucial business data.