Cybersecurity Tips for Remote Work - Careers in Government

Cybersecurity Tips for Remote Work

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Karlyn is a writer who specializes in the technology and insurance spaces. She believes the best ingredients for success are passion and purpose.

If your living room has recently become your conference room too, you’re not alone. The coronavirus pandemic has transformed the way many of us live our daily lives, including where and how we work.

Many nonessential businesses have opted to dial in remotely rather than have employees return to the office. This adjustment has allowed workplaces to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the risk of people contracting it on the clock.

With this new work from home set up comes new security risks, though. Cybersecurity attacks are on the rise by as much as 300% according to the FBI. It seems that bad agents are more than happy to take advantage of lax security measures and unsecured connections.

Data that used to remain within the walls of an office building has now moved to employees homes. In addition to hackers, family members and loved ones now have more access to work devices and documents than ever before.

A person in a suit holds a tablet, from which a glowing lock icon connected by digital lines emerges, symbolizing cybersecurity and data protection. The dark background emphasizes the lock icon, underlining the concept of technological security.

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The coronavirus pandemic has transformed the way many of us live our daily lives, including where and how we work.

KARLYN MCKELL

If you are now working from home, there are steps you can take to avoid becoming a risk to your company’s security. Here’s how:

Don’t log onto public Wi-Fi. At home, protect your internet connection with a unique password. If you have to work from somewhere else outside of your home, use a personal hotspot to ensure the connection is safe.
Only use company-issued devices when working with sensitive information. Most company security liability insurance policies will only cover breaches that occur on approved devices.
Change your password at least every 90 days, and don’t leave the password out on a scrap of paper where loved ones can find it. Instead, consider using an online password manager to securely store your logins.
Consistently update your software so your device and programs are outfitted with the latest security measures.
Let other employees know when sensitive information will be discussed on a call so they can arrange to have the meeting in private, out of earshot of loved ones.

Looking for even more tips to stay secure online? Check out this infographic from The Zebra below.

Please include attribution to TheZebra.com with this graphic.