For a number of organizations, flexible working always seemed like a far-off dream that one could only wish for. However, the period of lockdown from the COVID-19 pandemic made this dream a reality in many organizations globally. It is not unusual to see organizations that have succeeded in moving most of their work patterns to the digital space, either partially or completely. Now, many people work remotely from the comfort of their homes. In this article, we are going to explore the various ways of fostering safe remote work.
As of 2022, 16% of organizations globally are now 100% remote, with about 62% of employees adopting flexible work routines. Remote working offers some level of convenience to employees. However, there are some cyber security risks that both employees and employers can face in the digital space.
How Can You Ensure Safe Remote Working?
Use Antivirus and Internet Security Software at home
Cybercrime has risen over the year and has led to radical consequences for the organizations and persons involved. Making use of very effective internet security and antivirus software such as Kaspersky, etc plays a huge role in protecting your data.
Secure your devices
When working physically in the office, it is safer to trust that your colleagues understand the need to respect your devices and privacy. However, the same may not be the same at home. It is important to keep your family members and friends away from all your work devices. It will be much more complicated to rectify any incidences that may result due to poor handling of your devices.
Secure your Wi-Fi and configure your routers and firewalls
With remote working, you will be making use of your personal home networks and internet connections. It is therefore important to install and configure your wireless routers and personal firewalls to secure your data. To secure your routers and Wi-Fi, you will need to:
- create a unique password for your router
- change the router name
- encrypt your data
- update your router settings.
Get a webcam cover
Webcams are one of the easiest parts of your system that hackers can hijack, especially now that we make more use of video meetings and teleconferences dominantly. If you make use of an external webcam, always remember to unplug it and turn it off once it is out of use. If your webcam is in-built, invest in a sliding webcam cover. Once you are not making use of the webcam, cover it immediately. This will serve to prevent hackers from spying in on you and your environment without your permission.
Encrypt and protect your passwords properly
This measure is quite easy to do but is rarely used. Strengthening your passwords and using maximum password protection across all your devices and accounts is a recommended step in ensuring safe remote working. A strong password is difficult to guess, but easy for you to remember. If you have to write it down to remember it, then it is not strong since it can easily be found and misused. It must have at least 8 characters, have a mixture of both uppercase and lowercase letters, contain a mixture of letters and numbers, and include at least one special character. (Note that using < and > characters in your passwords can cause problems in some web browsers. Avoid them if you can).
You can learn more about managing your passwords here.
Beware of email fraud
Fraudulent emails appear to be from a well-known, reputable person or company but can put you and your information at risk. These emails are sent with links and attachments that request your account number, password/personal Identification Number, debit or credit card information, Bank account number, etc. It is important to be wary of these possible email attacks. Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments that you are unsure of, and report any suspicions of email compromise immediately.
Also read: Business Email Compromise
Update your operating system and software
When your operating system and software are out-of-date, you are more susceptible to becoming a victim of cybercrime. This is because the older versions of this software do not offer the required protection that you need. Hence, you need to ensure that your operating system and software are up to date by installing the latest patches and updates.
Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication is a way to doubly secure your accounts. Once you enable two-factor authentication on your accounts, it ensures that only you can have (or grant) access to your accounts and data. Without it, it is easier for hackers to hijack your accounts. To enable two-factor authentication, all you need to do is log into your various accounts or devices, go to the settings option in your navigation panel, and follow through with the steps and prompts under the ‘2-Factor Authentication’ menu.
Never overshare
This tip applies in multiple ways. Be careful not to overshare your screen and background, limiting the view range of your background and environment. If possible, blur or change your background to a virtual one. Also, take care not to give out your passwords and personal information to just anyone.
It is important to note here as well that the onus of ensuring safe remote working does not lie solely on the employees. The employers also play a very important role here too. Employers should take it upon themselves to train their employees on the need for safe remote working practices and the ways to implement these practices.
Information Science and Media Studies.
In her free time, she likes to teach and empower teenage girls to become the best version of
themselves.
- Protecting your home routers - April 8, 2022
- How Routers Work - March 21, 2022
- Safe Remote Working - February 28, 2022
One Response
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!