7 Remote Work Security Best Practices You Should Know About

You know that feeling when you get THE email? You know, the one that makes your stomach drop? It looks like your CEO needs sensitive info ASAP, or maybe a corporate vendor is telling you that an invoice is overdue? You get the sense of urgency that if you don’t respond immediately, your job might be at stake? 

Hold on a second before you click, though! While CEOs often need information and vendors do need to be paid, cybercriminals know that fear is the easiest way to trick people into compromising data (or even entire networks). This guide’s your armor against those sneaky attacks.

The Remote Workers’ Security Playbook

This won’t be some boring manual filled with technical speak and cybersecurity gobbledygook. Instead, it’s your shield against data thieves, helping you spot scam emails before they strike, and building a fortress around your home Wi-Fi.

Let’s break this down into the essentials, minus the tech jargon that makes your eyes glaze over…

1. Fortress Mode for Your Wi-Fi

Think of your Wi-Fi network as the gateway to your digital home. You want it as secure as possible to keep out intruders. This means going beyond the flimsy password that came with your router and making sure your data is scrambled with strong encryption.

• Change that default password: Seriously, it’s the digital equivalent of leaving a spare key under the flower pot.
• Get creative with passwords: Your dog’s birthday? Not a winner. Think random words or a made-up phrase only you’d remember.
• Encryption is your friend: Poke around in your router settings, look for WPA2 or something similar.

2. Password Mania (The Good Kind)

Every online account you have (email, bank, shopping sites, etc.) needs its own unique password. It’s a pain to manage, but think of it this way: let’s say you reuse passwords for multiple accounts, like your bank and Netflix. Well, if your Netflix account is compromised, and those criminals find where you do online banking, guess what password they are going to try with your bank ID? 

• Unique passwords are key: As in, one for every account you’ve got (we know it’s annoying, but it beats the alternative).
• Mix it up: Think alphabet soup with some numbers and weird symbols sprinkled in. The harder to guess, the better.
• Password managers to the rescue: If your brain’s overflowing, these apps can be lifesavers.

3. Spotting Phishing Scams Before You Bite

Phishing is all about tricking you into giving up info or clicking bad links. Don’t be the one who falls for the worm on a hook: learn to spot danger before it’s caused damage. The best defense is a healthy dose of skepticism. Amazing deals, urgent requests or alerts from your “bank,” and emails with sloppy typos are often phony.

• Deals that make you go ‘huh?’: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut on those. A Nigerian prince is not going to reach out to you because he has a few million dollars to unload for “tax reasons.”
• Your bank won’t freak out on you: They won’t demand your info over email in a panic. Login to your account directly – go to your browser and type the bank URL, don’t click on a link in the email. The link may be a fake site designed to steal your username and password.
• Look out for typos: Phishing emails often have sloppy mistakes, like a misspelled company name (JP Mogan Bank, Amaz0n, etc.).

4. Software Updates: Your Secret Weapon

Software updates aren’t just about new features; they often patch up security holes. Make it a habit to install those updates promptly – it’s like plugging any leaks in your defenses before bad guys can find them.

• Don’t snooze on updates: New security patches are constantly being released; make those updates a priority!
• Updates for ALL the things: This includes your operating system (Windows, macOS), your internet browser, and any software you use on your computer, whether it’s work-related or not. Believe it or not, any software hole can be an open point to your entire network.

5. Two-Factor Authentication: Double the Trouble for Hackers

This adds an extra layer of security beyond your password. Anytime you log in, an access code will be sent to you (usually your phone), making it way harder for someone to hijack your account, even if they manage to steal your password.

• It’s more than a password: If available, add an extra layer of security with two-factor authentication. You’ll often get a code via text or authenticator app to fully log in.
• Extra layer = way harder to hack: Even if your password does get compromised, this extra step makes it far less likely for a hacker to succeed.

6. When in Doubt, Throw it Out (or Ask!)

Unexpected emails with attachments? Wonky-looking links? Your IT team is there for a reason! Don’t be afraid to double-check with them if anything looks suspicious – it’s way better than clicking something and causing a massive data breach for your company.

• Unsolicited emails with attachments: Think twice. If you weren’t expecting it and don’t know the sender, err on the side of caution and delete.
• Your IT team is there to help: When an email or situation seems fishy, contact your IT or security team. Better safe than sorry!

7. Think Before You Click

Taking a second to think before clicking a link or opening an attachment can save you a world of trouble. Hackers bet on you acting quickly without thinking.  Slow down, be suspicious…your sanity will thank you!

• Links in unexpected texts or emails: Hover over them (without clicking!) to see the real address. Looks weird? Trash it.
• Pop-ups demanding immediate action: Close them out! Often, they’re aiming to scare you into making a hasty mistake.
• Invoices from vendors or co-workers: If you’re not expecting it, reach out to them directly. Call them if you have their numbers, use the inter-office messaging system, or compose a new email and type in their address (never just hit “Reply”!).

Password Power-Up! Tips for Uncrackable Combinations

Conclusion

Remote work security doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By following these tips and staying vigilant, you’ll be a cyber-savvy, work-from-home warrior. Got your own security tricks?  Share them in the comments!