Working Remotely – Here’s How to Stay Safe Online

Working remotely can be a great way to improve productivity and flexibility in your work schedule. However, it can also present some new challenges when it comes to cyber security. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for staying safe while working remotely. We’ll cover topics such as password management, device security, and online privacy. Following these tips can help you keep your data safe while working from home!

1. Keep your devices updated with the latest security patches

One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your cyber security is to keep your devices updated with the latest security patches. Whether you are using a laptop, desktop, or smartphone, it is important to install any available updates as soon as possible. Many security vulnerabilities are fixed in these updates, so it is crucial to keep your devices up-to-date.

If you’re not sure how to check for updates on your devices, here are a few quick tips:

• For Windows computers, you can open the Start menu and search for “Updates.” This will bring up the Windows Update settings where you can check for and install any available updates.
• On a Mac, open the App Store and click on the “Updates” tab. This will show you any available updates for your installed apps.
• For iPhone and iPad users, open the Settings app and navigate to “General -> Software Update.” This will check for and install any available updates for your iOS device.

Keeping your devices updated is a vital part of maintaining good cyber security. Be sure to check for updates regularly and install them as soon as possible

2. Use a strong password and change it regularly

Another important tip for keeping your data safe is to use a strong password. A strong password should be at least eight characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It is also important to change your password regularly. Many experts recommend changing your passwords every three months or so.

If you’re not sure how to create a strong password, there are a few tools that can help. The Microsoft Password Checker is a great tool that can help you assess the strength of your passwords. LastPass is another great option that can generate strong passwords and even help you manage them across multiple devices and accounts.

Using a strong password is one of the best ways to protect your data. Be sure to create a strong password and change it regularly.

3. Install anti-virus software on all of your devices

Another important tip for staying safe online is to install a centrally monitored and managed anti-virus software on all of your devices. This software can help protect your devices from malware and other online threats. Many anti-virus programs also include features like email filtering and web browsing protection.

There are many different anti-virus programs available, so it is important to do some research to find the best one for your needs. 

4. Don’t open emails from unknown senders or click on links they contain

One of the most common ways that malware is spread is through email attachments and links. Many people mistakenly believe that they are safe from malware if they only open emails from people they know. However, it is possible for malware to be sent from someone you know without their knowledge. For this reason, it is important to be cautious when opening emails from unknown senders. If an email looks suspicious, it is best to delete it without opening it.

It is also important to be careful when clicking on links in emails. Many malicious websites try to trick people into clicking on them by disguising themselves as legitimate websites. If you’re not sure if a website is safe, it is best to avoid clicking on any links to it.

Opening emails from unknown senders and clicking on links they contain is one of the most common ways that people get malware. Be sure to exercise caution when doing these things.

5. Make sure you’re using a secure Wi-Fi connection when working remotely

When you’re working remotely, it is important to make sure you’re using a secure Wi-Fi connection. Public Wi-Fi networks are often not as secure as private ones, so it is best to avoid doing any sensitive work on them. If you need to use public Wi-Fi, be sure to connect to a VPN first. This will help encrypt your data and keep it safe from prying eyes.

Using a secure Wi-Fi connection is important for keeping your data safe when you’re working remotely. Be sure to use a VPN if you need to connect to public Wi-Fi.

6. Backup your data regularly in case of ransomware attacks or other malware infections

Ransomware is a type of malware that can encrypt your data and hold it hostage until you pay a ransom. This can be a major problem if you don’t have a backup of your data. That’s why it is important to backup your data regularly. There are many different ways to backup your data, so be sure to choose the method that is best for you.

Some popular options include backing up to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or a physical backup like a USB drive. Backing up your data regularly is a good way to protect it from ransomware attacks and other malware infections.

7. Implement a security policy for work from home devices

The organisation should agree on a set of policies on how to secure devices working from home to ensure consistency and reduce the risk.

• You may consider that each personal device may be a different operation system ie windows, mac, different versions and have different threats associated with it.
• Different levels of anti-virus offer different levels of protection.
• Personal devices have different apps installed, different security settings than company devices.
• Would typically not have the software installed that can monitor threats or detect if anything is a threat to the business.

All of this can be difficult to have visibility of when these are devices not supplied or controlled by the business.

Having a policy on how the devices are configured, what they can / cannot access and levels of protection provides consistency across your work from home devices and accountability to employees to ensure devices are maintained to an agreed standard.

Working remotely can be a great way to get more work done, but it is important to take precautions to stay safe online. Be sure to follow the seven tips we have provided in this article to help keep your data safe. Contact us today to find out how we can help you there!