How to Optimize Cybersecurity When Working from Home
Cyber Security, Working Remotely | October 13, 2022
Working from home is the new reality for many employees as businesses around the world continue to adopt remote or hybrid office configurations. While there are many benefits of working from home, there are also many challenges that must be sufficiently addressed to ensure optimal productivity and cybersecurity. Lost data, ransomware, and other threats can leave a lasting impact on your business, especially if sensitive customer data or confidential information is stolen in the process. That is why it is crucial to ensure that all employees and their devices are sufficiently protected regardless of their location. As a leading provider of comprehensive cybersecurity services, the team at Next Hop Solutions knows how complex security can be when dealing with remote or hybrid team members. To help you keep your data safe, our team has put together some information to help you understand how to optimize cybersecurity when working from home.
Learn about some recent trends in cybersecurity.
6 Ways to Stay Secure While Working from Home
When working from home, it is crucial to ensure that your devices and the information you are accessing are secure. To maintain a high level of cybersecurity when working away from the office, consider the following tips:
1. Use a VPN
A VPN (virtual private network) is a great tool for remote and hybrid employees. This is especially true if employees need to connect to company networks or remote desktops via their personal devices. A VPN encrypts all internet traffic, making it completely unreadable to hackers or other cybercriminals. This protects any sensitive or confidential company information if it is intercepted, minimizing the risk of lost data or data breaches.
2. Stronger Passwords
One of the leading causes of cybercrime and hacking is that passwords are often too easy to guess. Users also tend to use the same password for every account they have. This means that if a hacker obtains a password for one account, they have it for all of them. All remote workers should be required to use strong passwords that have a combination of capital letters, numbers, and special characters (if allowed), as this will drastically reduce the risk of lost data or hacked accounts.
3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Though most Wi-Fi networks are fairly secure, some public networks are easy for cybercriminals to exploit. If a network does not require a password to connect to it, it is best to avoid it. Employees should only use Wi-Fi networks that require passwords when working remotely, especially if they are accessing sensitive data or confidential information.
4. Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
In addition to strong passwords, companies should consider investing in two-factor authentication for remote connections and account access. This adds another powerful layer of security to further deter hackers, making it well worth the investment.
5. Firewalls and Antivirus Programs
Firewalls are often the first line of defense between a computer and cyber threats. Ensure that your work or personal computer’s firewall is active and functioning properly. For additional protection, consider purchasing a reputable and advanced antivirus program. The combination of these two elements can keep most systems safe from nearly any threat.
6. Regular Data Backups
If an employee is affected by a virus or ransomware, they could lose all data on their computer. All important files and information should be regularly backed up to a cloud-based server or external storage device as this will ensure that no data is permanently lost.
To learn more about cybersecurity and how to stay safe while working from home, reach out to the experts at Next Hop Solutions. We can be reached at 1-855-482-5141 or through our online contact form and will be happy to assist you.
Working from home is the new reality for many employees as businesses around the world continue to adopt remote or hybrid office configurations. While there are many benefits of working from home, there are also many challenges that must be sufficiently addressed to ensure optimal productivity and cybersecurity. Lost data, ransomware, and other threats can leave a lasting impact on your business, especially if sensitive customer data or confidential information is stolen in the process. That is why it is crucial to ensure that all employees and their devices are sufficiently protected regardless of their location. As a leading provider of comprehensive cybersecurity services, the team at Next Hop Solutions knows how complex security can be when dealing with remote or hybrid team members. To help you keep your data safe, our team has put together some information to help you understand how to optimize cybersecurity when working from home.
Learn about some recent trends in cybersecurity.
6 Ways to Stay Secure While Working from Home
When working from home, it is crucial to ensure that your devices and the information you are accessing are secure. To maintain a high level of cybersecurity when working away from the office, consider the following tips:
1. Use a VPN
A VPN (virtual private network) is a great tool for remote and hybrid employees. This is especially true if employees need to connect to company networks or remote desktops via their personal devices. A VPN encrypts all internet traffic, making it completely unreadable to hackers or other cybercriminals. This protects any sensitive or confidential company information if it is intercepted, minimizing the risk of lost data or data breaches.
2. Stronger Passwords
One of the leading causes of cybercrime and hacking is that passwords are often too easy to guess. Users also tend to use the same password for every account they have. This means that if a hacker obtains a password for one account, they have it for all of them. All remote workers should be required to use strong passwords that have a combination of capital letters, numbers, and special characters (if allowed), as this will drastically reduce the risk of lost data or hacked accounts.
3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Though most Wi-Fi networks are fairly secure, some public networks are easy for cybercriminals to exploit. If a network does not require a password to connect to it, it is best to avoid it. Employees should only use Wi-Fi networks that require passwords when working remotely, especially if they are accessing sensitive data or confidential information.
4. Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
In addition to strong passwords, companies should consider investing in two-factor authentication for remote connections and account access. This adds another powerful layer of security to further deter hackers, making it well worth the investment.
5. Firewalls and Antivirus Programs
Firewalls are often the first line of defense between a computer and cyber threats. Ensure that your work or personal computer’s firewall is active and functioning properly. For additional protection, consider purchasing a reputable and advanced antivirus program. The combination of these two elements can keep most systems safe from nearly any threat.
6. Regular Data Backups
If an employee is affected by a virus or ransomware, they could lose all data on their computer. All important files and information should be regularly backed up to a cloud-based server or external storage device as this will ensure that no data is permanently lost.
To learn more about cybersecurity and how to stay safe while working from home, reach out to the experts at Next Hop Solutions. We can be reached at 1-855-482-5141 or through our online contact form and will be happy to assist you.