Technology

A Remote Worker’s Guide To Online Security

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Technology

A Remote Worker’s Guide To Online Security

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Working from home is now the norm for many professionals – but this convenience also comes with cybersecurity risks. Your home setup may not have the same protections as your office – making it easier for cyberthreats to sneak in.

Fortunately, you don’t need to be an IT expert to stay protected. Follow these simple work-from-home security tips to safeguard your network, devices, and data so you can focus on the work at hand.

Strengthen your home Wi-Fi to block hackers

A reliable home Wi-Fi network is the foundation of your remote work setup. But if it’s not secure, everything else in your digital life is at risk. Start by changing your router’s default password and enabling WPA3 encryption (the latest Wi-Fi security protocol) if available.

WPA3 encryption provides stronger encryption, improved authentication, and better resistance to brute-force attacks than WPA2. Regularly updating your router’s firmware is another key step to prevent vulnerabilities. A few minutes of setup can block many common threats.

Strong passwords: Say goodbye to ‘123456’ and ‘password’

Are you using the same weak password across all your accounts? That’s an open invitation for cybercriminals. Strong, unique passwords are critical. But you don’t have to come up with them yourself. Consider getting a password generator to create uncrackable passwords – it will create secure unique logins for every site you use. It’s one of the easiest ways to boost your security.

Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) can provide an added layer of security with just a few extra steps. When you enter your password, the account will require something more to log in – for example, you might have to input a one-time code that is instantly sent to your phone. Even if someone steals your password, they can’t get in without that second factor. Enabling MFA on all your work apps and email accounts is a quick way to stop breaches before they start.

Keep software and devices updated

Hackers often target known software flaws. Luckily, software and device updates are designed to fix these very vulnerabilities. That’s why it’s critical to keep your operating system, apps, and antivirus tools up to date. Turn on automatic updates wherever possible to protect your devices without lifting a finger.

Be cautious with public Wi-Fi and shared devices

Using coffee shop Wi-Fi is definitely convenient, but it’s also a hotspot for data theft. If you must use public networks, connect through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to keep your information safe. Also, avoid doing sensitive work on computers or devices that will also be shared with other users, like those in coworking spaces or libraries.

Strengthen your remote workspace with secure habits

Remote work offers flexibility, but protecting your online space is also part of the job. These simple steps can help you create a secure setup no matter where you put down your laptop.

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A Remote Worker’s Guide To Online Security

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