Security tips for working remotely.

The working landscape has changed greatly since the global pandemic, with many people now working in a hybrid mode (part office/part remote) or completely remote from their employers offices.  Maintaining the security of your company data is therefore of critical importance while working remotely. Here are some tips to ensure you are doing what you can to keep your company data secure.

Stay safe with strong passwords. Apply the same principles regarding password security at home as you do at work. Make sure your home Wi-Fi is protected by strong administrator and user log-in passwords.

Encrypt! Wherever possible make sure company or work-related devices (laptops, PCs, tablets, phones) are encrypted. Encryption means that should they be lost or stolen, the data stored on them is inaccessible.

Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a piece of software used to keep your internet activity private and secure. With VPN software installed and a secure connection in place, your IP address will be hidden and data you receive or send is encrypted, preventing any ‘man-in-the middle’ from gaining meaningful access to it.

Itemise what needs to be protected. Make a list of every work-related item you need to keep safe and decide how to ensure they are kept out of the wrong hands. E.g. laptops, phones, notebooks, folders, portable hard drives/USB drives, customer/member lists etc.

Avoid using public Wi-Fi. Generally, not recommended, however if you must use public Wi-Fi do so with caution.

  • If possible, confirm the Wi-Fi connection’s name and IP address with an employee before connecting.
  • Avoid logging into social networking, online banking or websites that store credit or debit card information.
  • Use a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt your device’s data when using public Wi-Fi.

Watch out for COVID-19 phishing attacks.  There has been a huge spike in email scams linked to the coronavirus. Always double check the sender’s address and never click on a link or attachment if you are not 100% sure it’s genuine. Five common emails being sent by scammers:

  • Confidential Cure Solution on Corona Virus
  • Spoof email from Gov.uk offering Covid-19 tax refund
  • Coronavirus (2019 – nCoV) Safety Measures
  • COVID-19 Now Airborne, Increased Community Transmission
  • Corona Support – donate here to help the fight.

Limit use of work-related devices at home. Don’t allow your company or work-related devices to be used by family and friends. Get your company’s security policy and follow it as much as possible in the remote environment.

Beware shoulder surfers! When working remotely — especially in a public space — take care to guard your login credentials. Consider using privacy screens for laptops and always lock screens when leaving devices unattended.