IT professionals should be concerned. Interpol, the worldwide police organization, warned in August of an increase in cybercrime as a result of the work-from-home movement. “As enterprises and corporations increasingly implement remote systems and networks to enable employees working from home,” Interpol stated, “criminals are also taking advantage of growing security weaknesses to steal data, create money, and cause disruption.” So, what can you do as a remote worker to strengthen your work-from-home cybersecurity? Check out these six steps for keeping your data and gadgets protected.
1. Do Not Postpone Updates
If you receive a software update notification on any of your devices, make sure to install the updated software as soon as possible. Software updates (including those for antivirus software) address security holes and help protect your data. It’s critical to pay attention to alerts on your smartphone for operating software upgrades and changes that affect your apps, especially if you use a single phone to handle both your business and personal life.
2. Do Not Disconnect the VPN
You might be connecting to your employer’s network using a VPN, or virtual private network. A VPN encrypts information exchanged between employers and employees through data encryption. It’s intended to keep cybercriminals and cyberspies from intercepting sensitive data like bank papers and consumer information. If you use a VPN on one of your devices, keep it turned on while working. Otherwise, you risk losing a tool that might prevent a theft of proprietary information. Also, unless you’ve enrolled in to your employer’s VPN, avoid utilizing public Wi-Fi networks while accessing work-related accounts.
3. Beware of Phishing Scams
Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the remote-work trend to overwhelm inboxes with bogus emails. Cybersecurity specialists specifically warn about phishing attacks linked to the epidemic. “These emails are intended to capitalize on people’s natural interest and demand for information about pandemic-related issues,” MonsterCloud explains. Norton provides the following example: You get an email that appears to be from your firm concerning a new coronavirus corporate policy. However, the email is part of a phishing hoax. The fraudster wants you to click on an attachment or embedded link in the email. That click may install malware on your device. As a result, be cautious when opening files or clicking on links in emails.
4. Password Strengthening
Before anybody can use your devices, they should require a password. Password-protect your Wi-Fi network and router, which links your internet-enabled wireless and wired devices. According to UpGuard, you should change your router’s password from the default to something unique. The National Cyber Security Alliance suggests that you create a strong, long password for each online account you access on an employer-issued device. According to Norton, a password should contain at least ten characters, omitting genuine words or personal information (like a birthdate).
5. Think about Multi-Factor Authentication.
Multi-factor authentication secures an online account (such as your bank account), electronic device, or computer network. However, according to the Ponemon Institute and Keeper Security research, 31% of IT experts polled claimed that their firms did not require remote workers to use any authentication methods at all. Only 35% of IT experts believed multi-factor authentication was required in the 69% of firms that did need those techniques. Multi-factor authentication requires at least two means of authenticating someone’s identity before they can access an account, a device, or a network. Passwords, security tokens, and biometric identification are examples of these techniques (like a fingerprint).
The final line is that working from home comes with the obligation of maintaining security requirements that would ordinarily be supplied for you if you worked in an office. You can help offer the safe environment your company deserves by building good habits like creating strong passwords, implementing multi-factor authentication, and completing regular software upgrades.
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