7 safety tips for working online
We were recently caught in the middle of a storm … A virus that changed the way we work and above all, the way we interact with others.
Are you working remotely? These 7 tips can help keep your online activities safe.
Some employers are now advising employees to work from homeand working from home can increase cybersecurity risks.
Tools such as VPNs can help protect data and online activities, but extra adaptation measures may be needed.
Fraud alert: Phishing attacks in the form of e-mails aim to increasingly deceive workers.
We have seen a radical change in the daily habits of millions of people worldwide, including the place where they work. Many employers are instructing their employees to work from home because of the recent situation… is this a trend that is about to stay? Perhaps…
If you are telecommuting, cybersecurity should not be overlooked. That is, taking the same care with your data and devices that you would have in your workplace.
Here are some tips to keep your online activities safe if you’re working from home:
1. Maintain close contact with your employer
You should stay in communication with the company. Your email box may contain emails about policy changes from working hours, changes to travels. If in doubt, ask.
Why this is important: Companies around the world continue to react to recent developments and it is important to be aware of the most current policies to keep you, your colleagues and your business safe.
2. Use your company’s technological tools
Companies often have technological tools that keep you protected when you work from home. This may mean that you work with computers or mobile devices provided by the company that are likely to contain firewall or anti-virus protection, along with other protections such as VPN or two-factor authentication.
Why this is important: Your employer’s cybersecurity tools are designed to protect data and devices. Criminals have an interest in information, whether you are working from home or from the office.
3. Control the urge to improvise
Employees often work as a team, and that means using communication tools like instant messaging or video conference rooms. If one of these tools is not working, you may be tempted to install a replacement. Don’t do it! You may be inadvertently installing a program with security flaws, which may allow unauthorized persons to access company data or even personal files on the equipment in question.
Why this is important: The collaboration tools you are used to using have been approved by your employer. You cannot be absolutely sure that an improvised solution has the same level of protection.
4. Keep your software up to date
You can receive reminders that updates are available for your working system, workstation, laptop, tablet or mobile phone. Before updating, back up your data and update as soon as possible.
Why this is important: Updates help solve security problems and keep your data safe.
5. Keep the VPN on
A VPN – short for virtual private network – can help protect the data you send and receive when you work from home. In this way it keeps the connection between companies and employees safe, encrypting the data and searching the equipment for malicious software such as viruses or ransomware.
Why this is important: VPNs help protect against criminals and prevent them from seeing what you did online during the workday. This may include sending or receiving financial information, documents and strategic information. A VPN protects that information from criminals and competition.
6. Watch out for phishing emails
Cyber criminals are taking advantage of this phase to send fake emails with fraudulent links to employees. It works as follows – Emails may appear to come from the company and ask for a link to be opened for a new policy. Clicking on the link or an attachment embedded in it will download malware to your device. Don’t click. Instead, immediately report the phishing attack to your employer.
Why this is important: A phishing email with malicious software can allow cyber criminals to take over your computer, register the keys you use, or access confidential financial or business information.
7. Develop new routines
Working from home requires you to change your routine and ensure that cyber security is part of the process. However, it also involves structuring your workday efficiently and keeping in touch with your team. If you are used to starting the day by greeting your co-workers, it may be a good idea to maintain this habit through an email or instant messaging platform.
Why this is important: It is easy to lose focus or feel isolated when working from home. Take steps to prevent this from happening. Stay involved with your colleagues. The coronavirus may have changed your working environment, but it still has a role to play.
I hope this article was helpful to you!
To the next!