How To Stay Safe From Hackers When Working From Home?

Working remotely can leave you vulnerable to hackers not only during these times when there’s a global health crisis but even in normal times. With millions people in the United States asked to stay at home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, many of them now work at home using their phones or personal computer. Experts say that this makes a wider target for cybercriminals.

You’re less likely protected by a software that scans every file you download or every link you click when you are working at home. Furthermore, you’ll be filled with worries over the continued spread of the virus that is currently threatening to overwhelm the country’s health care system, and by all the logistical issues that is presented as you adhere to the stay at home order.

There are some basic steps you can take to mitigate the risk especially since hackers have become increasingly active these days. Zscaler researchers have noted a 20% increase each month in overall hacking reports and a rise in hacking threats using terms such as COVID-19 or coronavirus to trick some users into installing a malicious software or giving out sensitive information. Although Microsoft said that the overall number of attacks that use the pandemic is very small, it still reminded people that now is the best time to protect themselves fro hackers.

Tips For Safer Remote Working

Since you are not in the office, your firm may have hard time updating your software automatically. And you may not even know it, but IT experts whose job is to keep hackers at bay say that updating your software is one thing that you should not forget to do.

Use Two-Factor Authentication

In case hackers manage to get into your system, they may be able to access your passwords and usernames. Thankfully, there’s the two-factor authentication. It can help make accessing your system harder for cybercriminals. Two factor authentication will require you to key in a one time code or ask you for a hardware token after you enter your so you can log in to your system.

By having this feature enabled, the password that hackers have stolen from you won’t be enough to log in into your bank account or the payroll system of your company. It is a very common step but is extremely effective.

Avoid Phishing Scams

You should always be mindful any suspicious message that could come from scammers and hackers. Microsoft said that 91% of cyberattacks start with a malicious email, and this is referred to as a phishing attack. Be careful and don’t click on anything that looks suspicious.

Boost Your Personal Security

For those using a work computer at their homes, security tools like corporate anti-virus software are commonly running by default. In case you have access to a VPN, you could use it to get access to your company network, where your employer could protect you even if you’re home.

This doesn’t work for all firms, which may not be ready to have their employees use the VPN at the same time so it’s worth consulting your employer regarding this. Another option is to use a personal VPN, but that’s generally for protecting your personal privacy since these services are not meant to safeguard you from malicious apps and software.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. in Wilmington if you want more information on how you can work safely from home.

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

Computer Security Tips For Remote Workers

An increasing number of companies have moved their workers to telecommuting amid the coronavirus pandemic. Even though working from home could help slow down the spread of the virus, it poses new challenges like dealing with work while kids are home; learning how to use new conferencing programs and other software; as well as taking care of files at home. While you are setting up your work at home system, listed below are a few tips to improve your computer security.

Computer Security Tips

Learn the basics of cybersecurity.

You need to make sure that your security software is up to date. You should have complex passwords for all your apps and devices. They must be strong, long and unique. They must contain at least 12 characters that are made up of symbols, numbers, lowercase, and capital letters.

Secure Your Home Network

Begin with the router. Switch on the encryption, which works by scrambling information that’s sent over to your network so that outsiders won’t be able to read it. WPA2 or WPA3 are the most recent encryption standards that could help protect the data that’s sent over your wireless network. What if you don’t have any of these options on your router?

Update the software of your router and check if after the update, you’re given the WPA2 or WPA3 options. If these options are still unavailable, then you should consider getting a different router. This is one crucial security tip when it comes to remote working.

Secure Your Laptop

In case you are using a laptop when working from home, be sure that it is protected by a password, secured, and locked. Don’t leave it unattended like at a public charging station or in a vehicle.

Secure Sensitive Information

If there is an urgent business need to move confidential data from the office to your home, make sure that it’s kept out of sight and under a lock and key. If you do not have any file cabinet in your home office, try to use a locked room.

Dispose of Sensitive Data Properly

Do not just throw it in the recycling bin or the trash can. You have to shred it. All the paperwork that you no longer need is a treasure trove to identity thieves especially if it includes confidential information of your employees and clients.

Follow Your Employer’s Computer Security Practices

Your home is now considered as an extension of your office. So you need to follow the online security protocols implemented by your employer.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. in Wilmington now and let our team of IT experts set up effective computer security measures for your business and remote workers.

Download our Work From Home Guide.

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