Remote working is on the rise and it’s great for many reasons. You can set your hours, work from a location that suits you best, and even have more time to spend with your family. But what about security?
In today’s connected world, there are no safe distances from cyberattacks. Whether you work remotely or in the office, cybercrime is a real threat to your company and business. Every day, more data and information are being transmitted through the internet than ever before. With so much sensitive information floating around, remote workers can find it difficult to stay safe online.
In this blog post, we will discuss what precautions remote workers should take to stay safe in this digital world.
Use strong passwords.
A strong password should have a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. It should be at least 14 characters in length but ideally would exceed 20 characters. Make sure that the password is completely unrelated to your personal information such as date of birth, addresses, nicknames, or phone numbers.
For an additional layer of security and protection, you should enable the use of two-factor authentication whenever possible to verify your identity.
Hire a managed print services consultant.
Your company’s printers are the easiest way for hackers to access your network. If a hacker gains access, they can potentially print fake checks and fraudulent invoices from the machine. Hiring a managed print services consultant will help you find the best print solutions to improve cybersecurity for all your printers. An MPS consultant can provide tips for your remote workers. Moreover, an MPS consultant will also add value to your business since they can recommend solutions that will allow you to maximize the use of technology in your company.
Use a Virtual Private Network.
A VPN allows you to encrypt your data and ensure that no one can access it, even if they have physical possession of the device on which you’re working remotely. VPNs are especially useful for remote employees who must log in to their company’s computer network from outside the office or home.
Beware of phishing emails.
Phishing emails are designed to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment that installs malware onto your computer. Generally, these types of messages offer some type of gift or reward in hopes of luring the recipient to act and provide personal information for identity theft purposes.
The best way to avoid phishing scams is to be aware of the many different types and to avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from sources you don’t know.
Lock your devices when not in use.
The simplest way to prevent cybersecurity is to lock your devices if you are working in public places or if you live with people you don’t work with. If possible, enable automatic locking.
Conclusion
Remote work will remain a norm in the coming years and so does the increase of cyber threats. By doing the simple steps above, remote workers and employers can effectively combat cyber-attacks and keep the business’ assets safe.