10 Essential Cybersecurity Tips for People Who Work From Home

Working from home is a great way to avoid the hassles of rush-hour traffic and get more work done. But while it offers numerous benefits, it’s not free of challenges. For one, it comes with its own set of security risks.

Here are 10 essential cybersecurity tips for people who work from home:

1. Establish a separate network for work devices.

Isolating your network for work devices will protect them and all data from cybercriminals and hackers. As an additional note, be sure you have a good internet broadband plan, so there’s less to little work disruption.

2. Use strong passwords.

Be sure to use strong passwords and change them regularly, especially if they have been compromised or stolen somehow by attackers.

3. Update your operating system regularly.

If you don’t update your operating system, an attacker can easily inject their malicious code into yours via vulnerabilities that haven’t yet been patched up by your OS manufacturer/distributor. Some devices will automatically update but others might require manual updates.

4. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA).

It means that when you log in to your work’s network, there will be multiple ways of verifying who you are (e.g., PIN code sent on mobile phone or biometrics, such as fingerprints).

5. Back up data regularly. 

It’s important to back up data regularly and store it either locally or remotely. This way, if an attack happens against your computer system, cybercriminals won’t have access to all information at once.

6. Install and update antivirus software on all devices.

This is a key cybersecurity measure that should be taken to protect your devices and data from being infected by malware, ransomware or viruses. Don’t forget to keep your antivirus software updated!

7. Don’t turn off the VPN and install firewall.

Ensure that your VPN always stays on. This will protect against any hackers who may try to steal login details if they are connected over an unsecured Wi-Fi network.

If possible, install firewall to block any potential attacks from happening while at home. This can help prevent attackers from gaining access through vulnerabilities found within networks, such as open ports or weak passwords/encryption keys being used for authentication purposes.

This helps boost security by preventing unauthorised people or software programs from accessing private resources via remote connections—even those, which might be physically located within your premises.

Tip: Some firewalls also have intrusion-detection capabilities. They’ll notify you of any suspicious activity taking place on your home network, which might be indicative of a cyberattack in progress.

8. Always be on guard for phishing scams.

Phishing scams are designed to trick you into revealing your login credentials or other sensitive information, such as credit card details, social security numbers, etc. They often take the form of fraudulent emails, which appear to be from a reputable organisation, but in reality, they’re not.

Be suspicious of unsolicited email messages. Yes, even if they appear to come from someone you know. Never click on links or open attachments that look suspicious. Make it a point to contact the sender directly via phone or email to verify the legitimacy of the message.

9. Keep your video meetings safe and secure.

Video meetings are a great way to keep in touch with colleagues when you’re working from home, and it’s important to make sure they’re conducted in a safe and secure manner. 

One way of doing this is by disabling the webcam and microphone on your device until you actually need them for the meeting. This will help prevent any attackers from being able to spy on or record your conversations without your knowledge.

Another good idea is to use a VPN during the meeting so that all data passing between participants is encrypted and cannot be intercepted by anyone else.

Make sure everyone involved in the video meeting knows how to join securely and also take care not to share confidential information via unsecured channels like email or chat. These are often not encrypted and can easily be accessed by hackers.

Last but not least, always remember to log out of the meeting when you’re finished!

10. Educate your family and friends about cybersecurity, too!

It’s important to educate your loved ones about cybersecurity so that they know how to stay safe online and protect their personal information. You can talk to them about phishing scams, malware and viruses, and show them how to use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible.

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