The rise of remote work has brought new challenges to cybersecurity. Remote workers are often more vulnerable to cyber threats due to the use of personal devices and the lack of security measures outside the office. That's why we think it's important to talk about some best practices that will keep remote workers and their companies safe from cyber threats. In this article, we’re going to take a look at 7 tips to protect your devices and data.

1. Use strong password management practices

We cannot stress enough the importance of a strong password. It is one of the most basic yet crucial steps to secure your computer and data. You should avoid common or easily guessable passwords as well as using the same one on every account. What we recommend is using a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Also, consider using a password manager to generate and store passwords. 

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Your accounts can never be too protected, that's why using two-factor authentication will provide you with that extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification, such as a text message or biometric scan, in addition to a password. Using this kind of security process can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts and data.

3. Keep Your Software Up-to-Date

We know that sometimes it is easier to hit pause on an update and “do it later”, but sometimes that later is too late. Keeping your software up-to-date is crucial to ensure that your device has the latest security patches and bug fixes. Cybercriminals often target outdated software with known vulnerabilities. We recommend setting your device to download and install updates automatically.

4. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

When working remotely, using a VPN is a must! A VPN is a service that encrypts your internet connection and helps protect your privacy by masking your IP address. Consider using a VPN to access your company's network or sensitive data. It can also prevent eavesdropping and unauthorized access to your data.

5. Use Antivirus and Firewall Software 

There's a reason why this software exists. Antivirus and firewall software can help detect and prevent cyber-attacks. Enable your firewall to restrict unauthorized access to your device and block suspicious network traffic. Plus, don't forget to keep your antivirus and firewall software updated. 

6. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams

Did you know that phishing scams are one of the most common cyber threats? Remote workers should be extra cautious of phishing scams, as they often use social engineering to trick users into providing their personal and financial information. Don’t open suspicious emails or messages or answer suspicious phone calls, and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

7. Secure Your Wi-Fi Connection

When working remotely, your Wi-Fi is one of the most basic yet essential tools. So securing your Wi-Fi connection seems like something rational to do. With this, you will prevent unauthorized access to your network and data. We also recommend using a strong and unique Wi-Fi password and consider disabling the guest network feature. Also, try using a WPA2 or WPA3 encryption to protect your Wi-Fi network.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is crucial for remote workers to protect their devices and data from cybercrimes. By using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping software up-to-date, using a VPN, antivirus and firewall software, being cautious of phishing scams, and securing your Wi-Fi connection, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyber attacks.  Remember that cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and you should always be cautious and proactive in protecting your digital assets, and an easy way to do it is by using PrivacyHawk.

It’s a personal privacy manager that helps individual consumers quickly and easily understand what data is being collected about them online and how it’s being used. With PrivacyHawk, you can easily protect your personal information.