The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed work culture forever. Businesses began implementing remote working procedures to shield employees from the novel coronavirus. But as the vaccine rolled out worldwide, making it safer for personnel to return to offices, companies realized that many workers preferred to work from their homes.
And why not? With the cost of living rising in sprawling metropolises, remote working allows professionals to live further from their places of employment without worrying about commute times or transportation costs. Some studies confirm that remote working also enhances morale and productivity.
While there are many advantages of working away from the office, you should also know about the risks. With your computer accessing office servers across a potentially unsecured connection, your company is more susceptible to cybersecurity attacks.
You may also be more vulnerable to phishing campaigns because you can’t verify urgent emails as quickly when away from co-workers. In addition, your office’s data may be at greater risk to malware if you use your personal computer for office work. Read the following tips to enhance your network security and protect yourself and your company.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A technologically advanced VPN service is an excellent way to secure your network. To keep it brief, a VPN connects you to the Internet through an encrypted and secure tunnel. A VPN also masks your IP address. Masking your IP address helps shield your location and protect you from IP address scams that allow threat actors to hijack your machine.
Perhaps the most significant advantage of using a VPN to work remotely is that it allows you to use public WiFi safely. Like many remote workers, you may occasionally consider working from a park, café, or shopping mall to ward off the monotony of working from home. But such networks are usually unsafe for sensitive work. Thankfully, a VPN can secure public WiFi.
Just remember to avoid free VPNs because they use old technology and are even known to spy on users. Subscribe to a top VPN that offers a free VPN trial to decide if the service suits your needs.
Install Security Tools
In addition to a good VPN, you should also activate your firewall to defend your network. Moreover, download anti-malware software that can stop these privacy threats:
• Spyware
• Ransomware
• Trojans
• Rootkits
• Backdoors
Separate Devices
Ideally, it would be best if you separated your personal devices from your work devices. As you probably know, you can catch different types of malware from websites, software, and emails that you’re more likely to engage with on your personal computer.
Your office should provide you with a separate device for work. Alternatively, they should use security software that protects every endpoint, including employee devices.
Don’t Fall for Social Engineering Attacks
Social engineering attacks like phishing use your feelings against you to trick you into installing malware or sharing sensitive information. Imagine getting an anxious text message from your boss that urges you to share your login credentials. Instead of replying with your username and password, call the sender of a suspicious message to verify their identity.
While remote working can offer many benefits, it can also be risky without appropriate precautions. Stay one step ahead of online threats to protect yourself and your company.
