Working from home has become the most common option for most people worldwide, ever since the pandemic started. Also, it is predicted that even if the pandemic fades, people still continue to choose to work remotely. This is applicable in various sectors.
There is no doubt that working from home offers great benefits, even for young people. But at the same time, you are exposing yourself and your company to various cybersecurity risks. That is why, it is important that you should be aware of these home cybersecurity threats. The following tips can help you in reducing most of these cybersecurity risks when you are working from home.
How to Prevent Threats When Working From Home
As remote working continue to rise, so as cybersecurity threats such as phishing. Most likely, in workplaces, cybersecurity will be taken cared of by the IT Dept. However, since most employees are now working remotely, then they should be cautious with these cybersecurity threats. These practices can help in ensuring that you and your company are safe while working remotely.
1. Install Antivirus and Internet Security Software
Companies should invest in an effective antivirus software to keep their company and employees safe while they are working from home. It is estimated that cybercrime has caused around $1.5 billion worth of damages to businesses worldwide.
In fact, this figure can even increase as hackers continue to exploit home and business internet networks so they can obtain access to sensitive files.
Most likely, this could make your business vulnerable to several types of breaches such as spyware, malware, ransomware, etc. The best solution is to install an antivirus software that provides remote work security against various threats such as Trojans and worms, zero-day attacks, phishing scams, malware, spyware, and other types of viruses.
Aside from getting rid of online security threats, an effective antivirus software also updates automatically. This means that you are always on top of the latest cybersecurity trends. Since it runs in the background, you can still continue to work without noticing it.
2. Use a VPN
Working from home means that you will connect to a free VPN for work or your company’s VPN. Unfortunately, this could mean that you are exposing yourself to hackers.
That is why it is important that companies should provide their employees with essential security tips or policies while working from home. Business owners should look for effective methods on how to keep their VPN more secure.
There are various authentication methods that can help in improving your VPN security. Most VPNs are using username and password, but you could upgrade this by using smart cards.
The encryption method for VPN access can also be improved. For instance, by using a Layer Two Tunnelling Protocol (L2TP) instead of a Point-to-Point Tunnelling Protocol.
However, even if how robust your VPN is, it wouldn’t matter. For instance, if the password of your staff has been compromised. Hence, it is important to remind your employees that they should update their passwords frequently.
Also, employees should only use the company’s VPN when they are working. If they use their devices for personal use, then they should turn it off.
Furthermore, when employees are working remotely, they will be using their home internet connections, Hence, it would be wise that employees should be trained on how they can configure their routers to keep their networks secure.
Browse the VPN reviews on PrivacyJournal to discover the perfect provider for your needs.
3. Keep Work Devices Secure
Although companies trust their employees in keeping themselves safe online, it is also worth considering that devices could likely be exposed to other family members when working at home.
That is why it is essential that you should remind your employees to keep their devices secure all the time and they should not allow other members of the household to access their devices.
Employees should also be reminded of the significance of password protection to avoid third parties from accessing sensitive files. Keep in mind that hackers are everywhere, they can even access your Whatsapp messages.
4. Purchase a Sliding Webcam Cover
Usually, when you are working from home, you will likely participate in teleconferences which require the use of a webcam. However, you should always be mindful since hackers could likely access your webcam without your knowledge, as a result, your privacy will be compromised.
The worst part is if you have sensitive information on your workspace. Sliding webcam covers are readily available and come in various colors, sizes, and shapes. They can be installed easily.