Cybersecurity Tips For Working From Home

Social distancing is one of the most crucial measures to lower the spread of COVID-19. Businesses are also doing everything they can to keep their employees safe and that includes instructing or encouraging them to work from home. But, transferring from a secure office setting to working remotely could open up various security risks. Apart from that, nasty hackers and cybercriminals are already using the virus as a subject for their phishing scams in hopes that their victim would click through and give out their passwords and other information.

Considering the rapid rise in remote working, ENISA, a European cybersecurity agency, has provided a few recommendations for businesses that move to teleworking due to COVID-19. The agency said that it noticed a rise in the phishing attacks that use the coronavirus topic as a front. The agency suggests that workers try not to mix leisure and work activities on the same device and be especially careful in opening emails concerning the coronavirus. These days, cybercriminals are exploiting the crisis so watch out for scams and phishing emails.

ENISA also warned that remote workers have to be cautious of emails that ask to renew or check their passwords as well as their login credentials, even if they look like they come from a trusted source. It is important to verify the email’s authenticity especially if it comes from people you don’t know and they’re asking that you open files or connect to links. Phishing messages create a sense of urgency to force you to click a link. You should also be careful of emails that come from people you know. Double-check everything and don’t click on any link if you are unsure what it’s for.

Security Tips For Remote Workers

• Make sure that you have a secure Wi-Fi connection. Although most Wi-Fi has been secured correctly, a few older installations may not be and that means people close by could snoop your traffic.
• Install an antivirus program and update it regularly.
• All of your security software must be updated. You should check browser add ons, privacy tools, as well as other patches on a regular basis.
• You should have a backup strategy set in place and don’t forget to use it if the situation calls for it. Regularly back up important files so you don’t have to worry about losing data in case of a ransomware attack.
• Always lock your screen especially if you are working in a shared space. If possible, avoid working in shared or co-working spaces at this time and follow social distancing to avoid spreading the virus.
• Use a secure connection.
• Install encryption tools.

Security Tools For Employers

• Provide feedback to employees on how they need to react when they face problems. They need to know who to call. They also need to familiarize themselves with emergency procedures.
• Prioritize the support of solutions for remote access.
• Offer virtual solutions
• Provide enough support when there is a problem.
• Create a clear procedure that will be followed in case of a security breach.
• Restrict access to sensitive information and systems when needed.

Get your free work from home guide here.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. in Wilmington if you need the help of IT experts in making sure that your network is safe and your remote workers are safe from online threats as they work from their homes.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 218-9255
https://spartantec-wilmingtonnc.business.site/

Cities Served:
Wilmington, Silver Lake, Sea Breeze, Carolina Beach, Eagle Island, Leland, Wrightsboro