From Couch to Keyboard: Safe Online Practices for Remote Workers

Working from home does have its perks—saving on lunch costs, taking mid-day walks, and even swapping out your office chair for a yoga ball. But with these conveniences come unique cybersecurity hurdles that remote workers need to navigate. Despite the comfort of your home office, the threat of cybercrime, viruses, and other malicious activities can cause some serious home base impacts.

Remote work calls for the need to understand secure access, protect sensitive data, and maintain a safe digital environment. It’s time to fortify your digital home defenses, ensuring you stay secure while enjoying the flexibility of working remotely, no daily memo required!

Cyber Safety Needs of Remote Workers

When working from home, you don't have the same IT safety provided in the office. Instead, your security depends on your practices and the measures built into your devices and home network. Unfortunately, these are often more vulnerable than the robust defenses of an office network. 

Let's dive into how you can boost your security game and keep those cyber threats at bay. 

Secure Remote Access: When working from home, you may need to be logged into a remote network software. We suggest upping your network safety game, including using VPNs and secure, encrypted connections to protect data in transit.

Data Protection: This involves secure storage, data encryption, and proper data handling protocols. Also, ensure that your work computer is not doing double-duty with other people who share your space, be that roommates, friends, family, or kids.

Safe Digital Environment: Maintaining a safe digital workspace requires continuous monitoring and updating of security measures on personal devices and networks used for work.

Diving a Little Deeper on Secure Remote Access

Use a Reliable VPN: A VPN encrypts your internet connection, adding the term “impenetrable force” to your cyber defense. Choose a reputable VPN service that offers strong encryption and does not log user activity.

• 💡Tip: Always have your VPN active when accessing work-related systems, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
  
  

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Many (and we mean many) sites and software can add a 2FA/MFA option. 2FA/MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more verification methods before granting access.

• 💡Tip: Implement MFA for all critical applications, including email, cloud storage,
  and collaboration tools.
  
  

Protecting Work-Related Data

Encrypt Sensitive Data: Encrypting data ensures that even if it is intercepted, it cannot be read without the decryption key.

• 💡Tip: Regularly back up encrypted data to avoid data loss in case of device failure or theft.
  
  

Use Secure File Sharing Methods: When sharing files, use secure platforms that offer end-to-end encryption.

• 💡Tip: Avoid using public file-sharing services for sensitive documents unless they offer strong encryption methods.
  

Maintaining a Safe Digital Environment

Keep Software Updated: Regular updates patch vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.

• 💡Tip: Use tools like Patch My PC to manage updates for multiple applications easily.
  
  

Regularly Monitor Device Security: Use security software to monitor and protect against threats.

• 💡Tip: Perform regular security scans and review security reports to stay informed about potential threats.

Becoming a Remote Worker Pro 

Navigating the digital landscape as a remote worker does come with its own set of new challenges, but that shouldn’t mean you should feel tense when working on the couch. By securing remote access, protecting work-related data, and maintaining a safe digital environment, you can enjoy the perks of remote work without compromising your security.

By continuing to embrace the flexibility of remote work, you’ll not only be able to keep your digital defense walls solid, but by staying proactive and informed, your digital comfort will remain king (and queen!) in your office castle.