Here’s What You Need to Know About Working From Home
Are you working from home right now? Did you know that alone makes you more prone to cyberattacks? Here’s what you need to know about working from home.
WFH Vulnerabilities
With more people working remotely and relying on their home networks for their personal and professional needs, it’s important for consumers to understand the potential risks and how to protect themselves and their data.
As someone who works from home, the need for strong cybersecurity is more important than ever.
Hackers are constantly finding new ways to breach security measures and gain access to sensitive data.
And the easier the target, the better.
When you work from home, it often means using personal devices and networks, which are typically not at the same level of security as a workplace network.
Plus, you have to think about all the added communication apps needed to collaborate from home. Increased use of email, messaging apps, and video conferencing tools, are all things cybercriminals like to target.
Threats
Some potential cybersecurity threats you could be facing working from home include phishing scams, malware, ransomware, and social engineering.
Cybercriminals use numerous tactics to gain access to sensitive information, steal credentials, or compromise systems.
They will also try and exploit any vulnerabilities in software and systems in order to gain unauthorized access.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you work from home securely:
Use a VPN
A VPN or Virtual Private Network is a secure connection between your device and the internet.
It encrypts your internet traffic, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept and access your data.
Check out our video on “How to Use a VPN for Remote Work.” We discuss some helpful tips for setting up and implementing a VPN
Use 2-Factor Authentication
Two-Factor Authentication or even Multi-Factor is that added layer of security for your accounts.
It requires you to enter a unique code in addition to your passwords, another thing that makes it hard for hackers to access your account.
If they don’t have your phone or other device needed for the code, they won’t be able to access anything, even if they know your username and password..
Keep your Software Up to Date
Software updates often include important security patches that address known vulnerabilities.
Keeping your software up to date can help prevent hackers from exploiting these vulnerabilities.
Always Use Strong Passwords
We tell all our clients that they should be using passwords that are at least 12 characters long. They should include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Following this advice prevents hackers from quickly guessing what your password might be and would take any system they have years to figure out.
And it should go without saying, but avoid using easily guessable information, such as your birthdate or pet’s name.
When in doubt, use a Password Manager.
It will take the stress away from having to create and remember a unique-enough password.
Secure your Home Network
Our last suggestion is to make sure your home Wi-Fi network is secured with a strong password and that you’re using WPA2 encryption.
This will prevent unauthorized access to your network and ensure your internet traffic is encrypted.
Remember, in a world where remote work is becoming more and more common, it’s crucial to prioritize cybersecurity.
If your business needs help protecting it’s remote workers, it might be smart to consider using a Managed Service Provider.
As an MSP ourselves, these are things we help to handle on a regular basis. Let us take the stress of IT away.
Check out our last video! ➡️ WordPress Breach Might Put Your Business at Risk
If you want to speak to an MSP about securing your network and employees, feel free to set up a call with one of our expert technicians via the Calendly link below. We’d be happy to discuss solutions with you.
Click here to schedule a free 15-minute meeting with Stan Kats, our Founder and Chief Technologist.
STG IT Consulting Group proudly provides IT Services for Small to Medium Businesses in Greater Los Angeles. We’d love to see if we can help you too!
