Recently, Tripwire, along with many others, has celebrated surpassing the one-year mark of remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March of 2020, kitchens, spare bedrooms, and garages have been transformed into home offices. Colleagues now consist of pets and children, leading to an unexpected surge in shirt purchases over pants.
This transition has necessitated adaptability to a new environment, accompanied by a different set of security practices. With time, many of us have found our rhythm in this remote work landscape.
#1 Separate Work and Personal Space
To maintain optimal security, it is advised to keep personal devices separate from work devices. Personal laptops and mobile phones are typically not monitored by the IT department for software updates and vulnerabilities, making them less secure.
It is recommended to use work laptops and mobile phones for tasks that can be done on these devices, even if it may seem inconvenient.
This practice helps to ensure better separation between your work and personal life, which is a valuable skill when working from home.
#2 Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Whether using your employer’s devices or not, it is important to take responsibility for securing your home network. Enhance the security of your home office by safeguarding your network.
Make sure your Wi-Fi is password-protected, which serves as a good initial step. If not, access your router settings to make this change.
To access the router settings, locate the IP address written on the router, enter it into your web browser, and sign in.
It is also crucial to modify the default password for your router. Default passwords are commonly known by hackers, thus posing vulnerabilities to Wi-Fi and network security.
If you have yet to do so, change the default password immediately. Failure to do so could result in a potential breach by an attacker.
There is a reliable and simple way to improve the security of a Wi-Fi network and devices in particular. Its essence is to install a reliable VPN with a good reputation.
A good solution is to download VeePN, it has 256-bit encryption, high-speed servers (there are more than 2500 of them), DNS leak protection, and other technologies implemented.
It can be used for work and personal purposes, for example, for gaming. Given the unlimited traffic, nothing prevents you from using it all the time.
#3 Beware of Phishing Emails
Phishing emails are a prevalent method utilized by scammers to compromise company security and extract sensitive information.
Typically, scammers adopt the guise of executives or employees, soliciting confidential data like work account login credentials or banking details.
Remain vigilant for telltale signs such as deceptive email addresses, grammatical inconsistencies, or messages that induce urgency or coercion.
#4 Install Multi-Factor Authentication
Thankfully, advancements in security have provided us with additional measures to protect our accounts. One such measure is two-factor authentication.
With two-factor authentication, you are required to provide additional proof of your identity to ensure that you are the rightful account owner and not a hacker.
One of the best tools for implementing two-factor authentication is an authenticator app, such as Google Authenticator.
When you try to log in to your account, you will receive a push notification on your device or a timed code in your app. This adds an extra layer of security to ensure the integrity of your account.
#5 Create Strong Passwords
Resisting the temptation to use the same password for multiple devices or accounts is crucial in ensuring their security.
Instead, it is recommended to inquire with employers about acquiring a reliable password manager such as LastPass or Digital Vault.
These programs not only encrypt passwords for enhanced safety but also eliminate the need to remember anything except for the master password used to access the program.
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Conclusion
Many individuals have faced unique challenges while working from home, often without adequate preparation. Whether the future entails a safe return to the office, continued work-from-home arrangements, or a combination of the two, it is imperative to adhere to basic security practices. These practices are applicable regardless of your work location, including your home environment. It is crucial to remember that security is a responsibility shared by all.
