Boost your home office security and protect yourself and your organization from modern-day threats with these top remote work security tips. Learn to protect personal devices and discover how iolo’s products can boost your digital safety!
Common cybersecurity risks for remote workers
You can’t take an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ approach to cybersecurity – even when (and especially when) you’re operating outside of your typical office environment.
Today’s cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to target vulnerable networks and unsavvy individuals, so it’s important to understand what these threats are and how you can mitigate against them, wherever and however you like to work. Failing to protect your system and its data could lead to the loss of sensitive and often company-critical data, cases of identity theft, and even significant financial losses. Here are a few of the most common security risks that remote workers face, and the issues they present to those affected:
Phishing attacks
Phishing is one of the most widespread problems out there. In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic, phishing attacks surged by over 600%.
Attackers use deceptive emails or messages to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or installing malware. With remote work, employees may rely more on email and messaging apps to keep in touch with colleagues and get their work done, which increases their exposure to phishing attempts.
Phishing could look like tricking users into entering their login credentials on fake websites, and therefore giving attackers access to company systems and data. Staff can also unknowingly open malicious links or attachments that spread malware throughout their devices and systems, leading to data breaches and costly losses.
Malware and ransomware
Malware is software that’s designed to damage or disrupt systems. For remote workers, malware often comes in the form of trojans or ransomware, which can lock files or entire systems until a ransom is paid. The increased use of personal devices for work makes this risk higher, as these devices often lack the robust security protocols of computers that are run and managed onsite.
Malware can capture sensitive data, such as login credentials or personal information. By the same token, ransomware can demand large sums, and even paying the ransom doesn’t necessarily guarantee the recovery of data.
Personal devices and bring your own device (BYOD)
When employees use personal devices for work, such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones, these devices may not have the same level of security as company-issued hardware. Personal devices may lack firewalls, antivirus software, or encrypted storage, making them more vulnerable to attacks. And if a personal device is compromised, an attacker could gain access to the company’s network or sensitive data relatively easily.
Unsecure remote access tools
Remote workers often rely on VPNs (virtual private networks) or other remote access tools to connect to companies’ networks. However, if these tools are not properly configured or up to date, they can become entry points for attackers, enabling them to move laterally across the firm’s internal network and get their hands on classified information. Brute-force attacks targeting weak VPN passwords are common, too.
Unsecured Wi-Fi networks
Remote workers often connect to public or home networks, which are typically less secure than corporate networks. Public Wi-Fi, which is found in cafes or airports, is especially risky because attackers can intercept data transferred over these networks, a technique known as “man-in-the-middle” (MITM) attacks.
A notorious incident occurred in 2016 when several hotels were targeted by attackers who exploited their unsecured Wi-Fi networks to spy on guests’ devices. Some of the compromised devices belonged to business executives, resulting in the theft of data that included confidential business communications.
Best practices for securing home Wi-Fi networks
Better security starts with closing down your home’s Wi-Fi network to intruders. Follow these practical steps to keep on top of this:
Use strong, unique passwords
This is the first line of defense for your Wi-Fi. Many routers come with default login credentials that are easily guessable or available online, so you need to change this ASAP. A good password should be at least 12-16 characters long, with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal information, such as names or birthdates.
Enable encryption
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a security protocol that encrypts data over wireless networks. WPA3 is the latest and most secure encryption standard, offering stronger protections against brute-force attacks – so if your router supports WPA3, enable it! WPA2 is still fairly secure, but older protocols like WEP or WPA are too vulnerable for everyday use.
Change your default router settings
Routers come with default settings that are often well-known to hackers. Changing these settings makes it more difficult for someone to gain unauthorized access to your network.
To access your router’s admin settings, type the router’s IP address (usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into your browser. From here, you’ll need to update the router’s default username and password. Be sure to avoid using the default SSID (Service Set Identifier) and choose a name that doesn’t reveal personal information or the router’s brand.
Update your firmware regularly
Router manufacturers periodically release firmware updates to patch security vulnerabilities. Most routers have a firmware update option in their settings menu ,so you can set it to automatically check for updates. If it doesn’t support automatic updates, visit the manufacturer’s website every month or so to find and download new firmware.
Set up a guest network for visitors
Creating a separate guest network for visitors prevents them from accessing the primary network that houses all your connected devices and potentially sensitive data. This way, if it turns out a guest’s device is infected with malware, at least it will be confined to a different section of your network and not pose a wider risk.
Disable remote management
Remote management allows you to access your router from outside your home network, but it also opens the door to potential attackers. If you don’t need this feature, it’s better to turn it off. Look for an option in your router settings labeled ‘remote management’ or ‘remote access’ and disable it.
Use a VPN for extra peace of mind
A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts all your internet traffic, making it unreadable to anyone who intercepts it. This adds an extra layer of protection when using your Wi-Fi network, especially when accessing sensitive information. And if you connect to public Wi-Fi while you’re working elsewhere, your VPN will ensure your data is protected from suspicious characters who are lurking on the same network.
Protecting against data inception and working around the clock to shield your identity, iolo VPN is ideal for both home and remote work use. This tool uses military-grade encryption to secure your data and offers multiple worldwide servers so you can access fast and reliable connections wherever you’re based.
Tips for safe use of personal devices for work
Using your own devices within your job often means you can work more flexibly and productively – but doing so also introduces stark security risks. Here are a few recommendations for taking better care of your personal PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones and more.
Keep operating systems and software up to date
Enable automatic updates to make light work of this or check your provider every week to download the latest patches. Amongst its many other features, Iolo System Mechanic Pro® speeds up this process by patching security vulnerabilities in Windows that might do you harm.
Use biometric authentication
Strong passwords only go so far to protecting you from attacks. Fingerprint or facial recognition is much more difficult to compromise, so enable these features if your device supports them.
Keep your personal and work data separate
Mixing the two can lead to accidental data leaks or cross-contamination between work and personal apps. You can do this by installing work-related applications, such as email or messaging platforms, in a separate work profile. This ensures that work data is isolated and can be easily managed or deleted if needed.
Encrypt any particularly sensitive data
Encrypting sensitive work data on your personal device ensures that even if the device is lost or stolen, unauthorized users cannot access your information. You can use built-in encryption features like BitLocker for Windows or FileVault for macOS to encrypt the entire hard drive, but tools like our System Mechanic® Ultimate Defense™ deliver more robust encryption capabilities.
Avoid public Wi-Fi without a VPN
It’s the safest way to keep cybercriminals at bay!
How iolo's products can enhance remote worker security
We’ve mentioned a few of our game-changing products here – but there are plenty more home office security options on offer from iolo that will transform your protection strategy for the better.
System Mechanic® Ultimate Defense™, iolo’s comprehensive antivirus solution, provides first-line protection for remote workers against the latest cyberthreats. A broad range of features – including Malware Killer, Privacy Guardian, and ByePass – work together to get rid of suspicious or dangerous files, keep data away from prying eyes, and maximize password security across apps and devices.
If you work remotely, you can’t afford to bury your head in the sand when it comes to securing your hardware and software from everyday cyberthreats. Follow the advice here to safeguard your digital environment and explore our wider range of security products for enhanced protection solutions you can count on.
