Working from home might not be a new concept for you but it is something that is here to stay. Amid the pandemic, everyone was working remotely, from their homes, to tackle these unfortunate times. However, this pandemic might be controlled by staying at home but cyber threats are not on hold.
Especially with the work from home initiation, cybercrime and phishing has spiked up. Why this sudden increase?
At the workplace, the companies take preventive measures to offer the best cybersecurity to the network to avoid any type of theft. However, the same is not done at home. If anything, the network is public which makes it not so safe for official work.
Here are a few numbers that can give you an insight into cyber risks while working from home.
However, it is easier to prevent such a situation with the right cybersecurity measures for employees working from home.
#1 Keep an eye out for Phishing Mail
Due to the pandemic, cybercriminals are using the traditional email method in a new way. They are now crafting emails with the content that might make users click once and that is all a criminal needs to steal the data. Hence, it is best to keep an eye out for such emails that are sent by an unknown sender, bad grammar, and have no major content to it. It is best to avoid clicking on such emails that can steal login credentials and personal information.
#2 Antivirus Software
Another of the essential factors that one needs to follow for cybersecurity is with the antivirus software. This can help in keeping the system safe and avoid any biggest issue that might end up stealing data. With the antivirus, the users can prevent malware from compromising the system, work, or data.
#3 Secure Home Network
Just like the office network, it is possible to secure the home network as well. It is best to keep your Wi-Fi network encrypted that can prevent data theft or cybercrime. There are router settings that one can change or even the router’s default password. The fact is that if the router is breached then hackers can access the network and device connected to it. Also, remember that the router with a default password can work as a weak link in terms of cybercrime.
#4 Multi-Factor Authentication
The users can easily set up the multi-factor authentication or MFA with a strong password for some extra security. It makes it easy to offer double protection above the credential and passwords. After the password is entered then the MFA is done to offer double verification and making it a bit harder to hack into the system.
#5 Update Your Software & Laptop
There is no doubt that privacy and security are offered by the systems as well. Especially, with regular updates that help in eliminating the loopholes and offer more security to the system. It is best to enable automatic updates to not miss out on even a single one of them and ensure that the latest version is running.
#6 Strong Passwords
One of the most important aspects of cybersecurity is strong passwords that can keep the credentials safe and secure. However, it is essential to change the passwords at regular intervals to protect the account, security tools, and applications of the business. Weaker passwords are easy to decode and hence make hackers go for them with a few permutations and combinations. However, with a strong password of business, it will be impossible to crack which makes it secure from any theft.
#7 VPNs
To improve online privacy for the business, it is essential to go with a VPN that is safe and secure when it comes to working from home. It is a secure way of connecting the system with the internet that can encrypt internet traffic easily. This makes the traffic unreadable to everyone and keeps data safe from the prying eyes who are trying to intercept it. The level of bandwidth and licenses are something that one needs to take care of when opting for these options.
#8 Firewalls
To prevent threats, one of the major options that businesses can go for is Firewalls. It works as the barrier between the internet and employee’s devices that block the data packages from the website that employees have no access to. This built-in firewall is a great way to prevent malicious programs and any type of data leak.
Conclusion
At home, there is a different level of cyberattack risk due to the vulnerability of internet security. Employees must understand the importance of cybersecurity in their homes while working to ensure no data theft or breaches.
Businesses need to include the applicable plans, security guidelines, and policies for the infrastructure to minimize cybersecurity risks or exposure. The motive is to ensure that crucial data is protected and businesses can work in a secure environment.