The COVID-19 pandemic has forced millions of employees to work from home. This article explains how to implement cybersecurity when working from home.
Many employees prefer the remote work setup as it eliminates the hassle of commuting. However, keep in mind that working remotely comes with cybersecurity risks. The personal devices you use when working remotely might not be as secured with employer-issued devices. Nevertheless, you must implement cybersecurity when working from home. How?
Use what’s in your company’s tech toolbox
Companies usually have tech tools that can keep data safer when you work from home. That might involve working on laptops and mobile devices provided by your company. These devices likely include firewall and anti-virus protection, along with security features like multi-factor authentication and VPN. Keep in mind that cybercriminals want both data and devices, regardless of where you’re working.
Boost the security of your home router
Don’t simply accept the automatic password that came with the manufacturer of the router. Start by creating a strong password for your Wi-Fi network. Furthermore, change the name of your wireless network called the SSID. Doing so makes it harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your home’s Wi-Fi network.
You must also ensure that your network is encrypted. There are various encryption options with WPA2 as the strongest.
Securing your home router is important as it is connected to all your devices. If hackers access your network, they might also gain access to any work devices connected to it. Additionally, if someone uses your network to commit a cybercrime, law enforcement could trace that activity to your account.
Keep those Zoom meetings safe
Video conferencing programs such as Zoom, Teams, and Meet have become a key part for many companies. However, hackers have learned that crashing such programs is a good way to disrupt company meetings or obtain information without the company’s knowledge. How can you implement cybersecurity when working from home with these programs?
First, only download the program from the provider itself to avoid accidentally installing malware on your computer.
Set up a unique meeting ID for every conference you schedule. Relying on the same ID for all of your meetings makes it easier for hackers to gain access to them.
Enable a waiting room area so you can screen participants before letting them into your conference. This is another way to prevent cybercriminals from crashing your meetings.
Finally, ensure that there is only one host for your meeting. Moreover, make sure that this host is the only person who has controls to screen sharing, admitting guests, and other controls.
Purchase a webcam cover
A webcam cover is a cost-effective tool that prevents hackers from spying on you through your webcam. Smart cybercriminals are capable of hijacking your webcam and spying on you. However, they won’t see anything if your webcam is covered.
Be careful of public Wi-Fi
Many employees choose to work from a local coffee shop and other places occasionally as a change of scenery. Be careful of public Wi-Fi offered by these alternatives. Public Wi-Fi is notoriously unsecure. Hence, security experts recommend that you only use it for mundane tasks such as basic research or reading the news.
