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Cybersecurity Tips When Working From Home [Part II]

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, a remote work situation has become a necessity with companies rolling out mandatory work-from-home policies. The digital era and breakthrough innovations have made it utterly simple for most of us to carry out our regular duties from the comfort of our desk (okay, bed). But even before COVID-19 cases hit record, many people have already been working full-time from home or local coffee shops. So whether it’s for social distancing sake or just a standard situation, working from home is gaining momentum.

With that being said, this luxury (or inconvenience) comes with its downsides, mainly by way of online scams and security threats. Not only can remote workers have their own credentials stolen, working from home could result in breaching company security too.

In part I of our series we’ve got to grips with a few online security tips, including strong password combinations, business devices, and phish emails. On that note, let us go over other cybersecurity recommendations that will help remote workers keep their business, personal, and work data safe from hackers.

Encrypt your emails

Encryption is one of the fundamentals of online security. You can disguise your emails or messages to safeguard potentially sensitive information from being read by anyone other than intended recipients. If you are sending personal data, contract papers, or company business secrets without encrypting the content, you might as well put it on the notice board for public display. And although encryption is seen as burdening and difficult, in reality, it is more straightforward than sending an email.

Have a backup strategy

Important data can be lost due to a number of reasons, including cyber-attacks. Ransomware and other types of malware can obliterate entire systems without you knowing. That is why all important files should be backed up regularly. Clearly, hardware backups are how old-fashion guys do it, but cloud backup services are more convenient with their backup schedule and storage options. Although skeptics still question cloud computing's value, reliability, and security, it still remains the most viable backup option for business-related data.

Use a virtual private network (VPN)

You didn’t think we’ll skip this one? You’d be surprised, but VPNs value can extend beyond bypassing geographic restrictions on streaming sites. For those that are not computer savvy, a VPN implements technology that adds a security layer to private and public networks. In plain English, a VPN is your Invisibility Charm that renders your data through a secure tunnel.

Note: A VPN comes in handy only if your devices have been checked for compromising malware.

Also, VPNs can slow down internet speeds. So if you are planning a video conference, you need a speedy and reliable solution like NordVPN, for example. It comes with security adds-on as well.

Patch your software regularly

Updates to device software and other apps are truly annoying. Especially, when you get bombarded with software products asking you to patch them. However, they cover critical vulnerabilities and shield your systems from the updated threats. Some bugs if not fixed, can leave your software sensitive to cyber-attacks. At best, it may be nothing more than a minor inconvenience. At worst, it may mean your personal and business data being compromised or attackers taking control of your PC.

Therefore, patching your software as needed is crucial for your peace of mind. Besides, most products now come with an automatic update feature so you can leave it for the night and go to sleep.

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The Bottom Line

In Coronavirus grim reality, businesses rely on remote working. As cybercriminals are exploiting the opportunities, there is a clear spike in phishing and other criminal activity. Without carefully crafted IT systems, it is hard for companies to spot potential cybersecurity weaknesses in remote workspaces. Therefore, protecting the business from hacking should become a top priority for newly-minted remote workers. We hope that our tips will help keep your personal and business data cyber-safe while working outside of the office during these trying times. Be vigilant. Stay safe.