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Has your kitchen table transformed into your conference room over the past year? You’re not the only one. COVID-19 has changed many aspects of our everyday lives, including how many of us work.
Remote work was on the rise before the pandemic, but now it’s officially mainstream. Companies could help slow the spread, and their liability, by letting employees log on from the comfort of their homes as the coronavirus rages on.
Many employees and workers alike are experiencing the benefits of telecommuting, such as shorter commute times, more freedom, and an increase in time spent with loved ones at home. Productivity also hasn’t suffered, making remote work seem like a big win-win.
With evolving workspaces comes new risks, though — and cybersecurity tops the list. The FBI estimates that cyber attacks are up 300% since COVID-19 began as bad agents take advantage of the unsecured connections and lax security measures. After all, sensitive information and data that once never left the walls of the office building have now made their way into homes, rentals, and public Wi-Fi spaces.
If you’re working from home, here are some tips to reduce risk to your company’s security:
Don’t use public Wi-Fi:
You never know who is lurking on public Wi-Fi networks. This is why you should always protect your home internet connection with a unique password and change it often. If you venture outside your home office for a change of scenery, don’t log onto public Wi-Fi. Instead, consider investing in a personal hotspot to ensure your connection is always safe.
Only use company-issued devices
Many of us are guilty of crossing the lines when it comes to work and personal devices but this mistake can cost your company big. Many company security liability insurance policies only cover breaches on approved devices. Avoid any missteps by always doing your work on a work computer or laptop and keeping your personal searches on personal devices.
Change your password regularly
Did you know that compromised passwords are responsible for 8 in 10 security breaches? Change your password every 90 days to keep your logins safe and secure. For systems that carry more sensitive data, you may want to change it even more frequently. To keep track of this constantly evolving password, use an online password manager rather than jotting passwords down on paper, otherwise it could fall into the wrong hands.
Set boundaries for conference calls
When dialing in from home, there may be other family members in earshot. Taking calls in public spaces such as coffee shops and airports also opens you up to security risks. If sensitive company information is going to be discussed, let attendees know ahead of time so they know to take the meeting somewhere private.
For an overview of common cyberattacks and even more tips to stay secure online, check out this infographic from The Zebra below.
Infographic Dropbox (if above code doesn’t work)
Author bio:
Karlyn is a writer who specializes in the technology and insurance spaces. She believes the best ingredients for success are passion and purpose