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6 Work from Home Cybersecurity Tips for Employees

The current COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many employers to let their employees work from home. It is a model that has been gaining traction for a while but accelerated by the pandemic. Well, a work from the home model has tons of benefits, including improving productivity, owing to fewer distractions and less traveling time. However, working from home poses cybersecurity risks that not only put the employees at risk but also businesses! That is why as an employee, you must take extra measures to protect your security. We have compiled a few tips that will help you enhance cybersecurity as you work from home.

Secure Your Wi-Fi connections

For starters, you need to use secure networks as you work from home. If you are using a home Wi-Fi network, encrypt it and make sure that you have strong passwords for it. Moreover, change the router’s default password. They tend to be weak most times, making it possible for cyber attackers to breach the router and access your devices and any information sent through it. In public places, be cautious of open Wi-Fi networks as most of them are insecure. Cyber-attackers use them to spy internet traffic and collect confidential information. Preferably only use secure connections whenever you are working. 

Use VPN

A VPN is an excellent tool that secures your connection and encrypts private information, especially as you access the Internet. Your employer should have a business VPN as part of the tech infrastructure you are using to work from home. That said, you can use your VPN tool to ensure that your data remains confidential as you browse the web.

Use Security Tools

It would be best if you also had the right security tools on your devices. For example, a good antivirus tool will help you stay safe from common attacks. You can also use a cleaner app in your devices to boost your cybersecurity. A good cleaner app like CleanMyMac X for Mac devices shields them against common malware that might target you. It also helps protect your device from browser hijackers by deleting tracking cookies. Your privacy is also protected, as advertisers will find it hard to monitor your web-surfing habits.

Use Update Software

Cyber attackers come with new techniques for exploiting top operating systems and popular programs on your device. On the other hand, the developers update software regularly to add new features and decrease their vulnerability against cyber-attacks. In other words, you have to ensure that you have the latest OS and programs’ latest versions as you work from home. Don’t ignore those update notifications as they might help you stay safe!

Beware of Phishing

Be cautious with suspicious emails, especially if they require that you click on a particular link or open an attached file. They could be cyber-attackers using spear phishing to steal data. Be careful, even if the mail looks like it is coming from your colleagues. It might be a scammer looking to execute an attack. Watch out for any suspicious emails and better even use work mail for business-related activities. Most phishing emails have poor grammar, spelling mistakes, suspicious attachments, links, and messages that create a sense of urgency, etc.

Avoid oversharing your screen

Well, most of the office meetings are online and this creates another issue with sharing screens! Well, be careful not to overshare your screen. Your sensitive information could land on the wrong hands, which infringes on your privacy, and the data can be used for cybercrime. As a rule of thumb, ensure that your device’s windows are closed not unless you want to share the information 

Final Remarks

In a nutshell, there is a spike in cybercrime rates as businesses shift a new work from home paradigm. It is better to stay safe than to fall victim to attacks that might affect you and your employer. Your employer will need to take cybersecurity measures, but so do you! 

 

 

 

 

 

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