More people than ever are working from home. The rise of remote work has transformed the workspace and looks set to be the most important trend for businesses now and in the future. The problem is that remote working can expose a business to increased risks from cybercriminals. If you are working from a home office then you need to ensure that your online and offline security is as robust as possible. A cyberattack that targets a remote office can lead to the exposure of an entire business network, and that can have catastrophic effects on a brand’s ability to trade and grow. If you want to keep your home office safe & secure, here are the key areas to focus on.
Learn the Basics
The good news is that if your personal online security is already a priority for you then that will naturally extend to your home office. Using some basic security methods can vastly improve your safety when you go online. That will mean ensuring that you:
- Have virus protection and firewalls that are updated regularly
- Use strong passwords and a password manager
- Adopt two-factor verification on all platforms and devices
- To stay safe & secure avoid using unsecured public wifi
- Invest time to create a breach plan should the worst happen
- Be wary of downloading files and software from new sources
These are all basic steps that you should be using in your daily online activity. If you are working from a home office then you need to make these steps a priority. Failing to follow the most basic of security measures can leave you highly vulnerable to malicious activity.
Stay Aware – Knowledge is Power
There are multiple methods that cybercriminals use to breach data assets and digital devices. It’s no longer enough to apply those basic steps alone. Now, you need to make sure that you are always up to date on the latest online scams and the newest tactics that cybercriminals use to breach your online defenses. This will mean learning more than ever about the most common cyber-scams and keeping up to date on the newest tactics used by criminals. It’s important to remember that cybercriminals grow in sophistication every day. If you are relying on your cyber education from 2018 then you might get a security shock in 2020. Keep up to date and you will be able to prepare your digital defenses much more effectively.
Get Physical – Hardware Security
There are hardware options that have been designed specifically for the home office. These can have a highly positive effect on your online safety. Look at installing hardware like the Watchguard T series, which has a variety of options, all of which have been designed with the remote worker and the home office in mind. This type of protection can vastly improve your security, and can even be extended to multiple locations. The best of the T-series for you will depend on the size and scope of your business and how many employees the business has. For remote workers who have to communicate with large teams, there is a greater risk of a cyber breach. Invest in the right hardware and your security will get a huge boost.
Bottomline
Every home office is different and will require a variety of additional security measures. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your home office is too minor a factor for cybercriminals to target. As the tactics used by cybercriminals continue to evolve, home offices are proving particularly vulnerable to online scams and attacks. Protect your home office and your online activity will be safer and far more secure.
Stay Safe & Secure!!!
