9 Security Hacks for Protecting Remote Workers

With COVID-19 affecting each of our lives, there have been several work arrangements that are emerging as the new normal. It is safe to assume that the work from home (WFH) culture has made our lives more comfortable in many cases. However, where there are pros, there are cons as well. Now that we are all working remotely, it is necessary to fuel ourselves with the right ammunition.

Cybersecurity has long been a subject of massive discussion and remote work has brought to the surface even more unique challenges – both for information security and the data shared.

When an employee works in an office environment, the company ensures several security layers to envelope it from any further breach. These envelopes, however, take a backseat while working from home. And when the systems leave the office perimeter, it becomes quintessential to come up with the requisite security tips to steer away from the impending damages. 

This blog will walk you with nine security hacks that are a must to protect remote workers. Let’s dig into each of them in detail.

Back Up All Your Critical Files at Once 

All is not lost yet if you have the backup. The pain of losing every file of yours is massive, and to save you from further embarrassment and agony, it’s important to routinely back up all your data. Further, you’ll need to ensure that you are backing up in multiple locations that are entirely safe and personal just to you. You can then save it in Cloud or with various other carriers as well. Also, check that you do have the option to get offline storage of these precious files too.

Get Yourself an SSL Certificate Right Away

All that a user wants from you is a fulfilling customer experience and a shopping spree far from any security threats. That is when getting an SSL certificate can save you a fortune. SSL is used to secure credit card transactions, data transfer and logins, and more. SSL certificates establish an encrypted link between a web server and a browser which stops hackers from doing any fraud. 

If you have site with multiple sub domains, then cheap wildcard SSL certificate is the best option for you. This single certificate can easily secure your entire site (main domain and unlimited sub domains). When you acquire one of these Wildcard SSL Certificates, you will automatically update it to an HTTPS URL, which is a benchmark for a trustworthy site. This signifies that your data and customer’s transactions are safe from the clutches of the cybercriminals. SSL Certificates are the best way to guard cybersecurity at the highest level possible.

Look out for Phishing Attacks 

Phishing attacks target the remote working systems, mainly. One of the most used strategies is getting an employee to engage through suspicious material. They might come to you as an enticing email revealing a mega sale or bumper lottery inside. So how do you recognize this to be a threat? Phishing emails have tell-tale giveaways that might have bad spelling or grammar errors. This should be your key. As a remote worker, you should discard such emails immediately and inform your IT department.

Refrain from using Public Wi-Fi 

It can be tempting to use free and unlimited Wi-Fi. Just like all that glitters is not gold—all that is free is not risk-free as well. 

First, know that just like you, other people are utilizing this free internet as well. And the absence of a firewall between you and them will make cyber-attacks much easier to accomplish. 

Additionally, you can always use a personal hotspot and get your work done. This eliminates the risk of getting hacked right from the roots.

Invest in Remote Working Trainings

Conducting timely cyber security training should be a ‘goes without saying.’ Moreover, these training sessions should zero in on the specific challenges linked with working from home. Further, some awareness of spoofing and multiple techniques on maintaining cyber hygiene should also be brought into the spotlight. This will help the employees know how to apprehend the process better and commit less to no errors.

Secure your Video Conferencing Tools 

Given the recent boom in remote work, it is no surprise that meetings have taken to the video-based medium. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts, and Cisco are common examples we use to interface. Note that they may be a savior when discussing ideas remotely, but they are not infallible. 

One can easily break into these conference meetings once they gain unauthorized access to these rooms. In that case, adding virtual rooms is an excellent idea to save yourself from the hack. Additionally, you can also use the option to lock the room once the meeting has begun.

Say Yes to Strong Passwords 

Even though this might sound obvious, that does not mean that this critical point should be given a backseat. Passwords are the key to your systems. And that is why it is the need of the hour to guard yourself with a stringent password, especially on remote working days. 

For starters, try to inculcate a password with a good combination of alphabets, numerals, signs, and symbols. Think of a password that has not been overtly used and cannot be hacked by cybercriminals with ease.

Ensure Physical Privacy 

Yes, it is not all about staying safe in the online podium. You will have to see that the place or room that you are working at is safe too. 

Now that you are bringing your offline computer back home, it is your utmost duty that you take all necessary precautions to refrain from any mishandling. Also, see that your system is off or locked under a strong password once you leave the room. 

Moreover, it is recommended that you shut your door while you are working with something sensitive. Say you are a Software Architect whose main job is to investigate your company’s security. In such a case, do not subject yourself to any trivialities.

Opt for Virtual Private Networks When Possible 

Regarded as one of the safest ways to work online is using VPN access. VPN ensures that the information is stored and accessed on the Cloud itself and that the end-to-end data encryption is maintained correctly. 

Further, it will add a layer of security to your system by creating a private network that is far off the clutches of a public Internet connection used by everyone. It guarantees you more safety even as compared to that of a password-protected Wi-Fi hotspot. 

Did you also know that you now have the chance to browse the server by going completely anonymous? That is why accessing VPN is increasingly gaining popularity these days due to its secured nature.

Remote work is most likely here to stay. Until and unless we do not have a complete cure for the ongoing pandemic, we will need to continue working from our homes. Having said that, there are umpteen vulnerabilities that may befall your way.

Security leaders, too, are coming up with ways to transition this change into the pangs of the future. The nine practices mentioned above, when incorporated right, can simplify this game to another level. Further, it is also recommended that additional safety and security awareness training must be imparted to the employees as and when they are in need. And on similar tracks, an employee too should beware of what is right and what is wrong.