14 Cybersecurity Recommendations for Working from Home
Working remotely due to coronavirus? We reveal how to stay safe online while working from home.
As the Coronavirus situation continues to unfold, many employees have found themselves working from home for much longer than anticipated. There are important cybersecurity considerations when working remotely that, if ignored, place your entire organization at risk.
Remote work can be done securely with the proper procedures, training, and technology in place. Below is a list of tips and recommendations to help ensure you are doing your part to keep your company’s data secure.
- Use a company-issued computer when working remotely, if possible.
- Whether using your personal computer or work computer, make sure Microsoft and other applications are patched and up-to-date.
- Do not use your work computers for personal use.
- Ensure you are running antivirus software with the latest definitions.
- Do not save your logins and passwords on web forms or applications - rather, use a password manager such as 1Password, LastPass, or KeePass.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi.
- Check your phone and other device settings to ensure they do not auto-connect to public Wi-Fi.
- Do not save sensitive data on your personal computer.
- Be aware of your surroundings when working in public spaces like coffee shops. Who can hear your conversation or look over your shoulder and see your screen?
- Encrypt your laptop/desktop using full disk encryption.
- Do not save data to an external storage device unless it is encrypted
- Utilize two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Be wary of phishing emails
- Do not navigate to URLs you aren't sure are safe (through links or otherwise)
- Never open attachments you aren't expecting to receive
- Be particularly wary of documents prompting you to enable Macros upon opening
- Logout or lock your device when it is not in use; and
- Make sure you understand your organization's remote work policies and guidelines.
When in doubt, reach out to your IT department or compliance group. Let us know if we can be of assistance in this time of transition. Stay safe!