As the current COVID-19 pandemic escalates worldwide, companies are rushing towards remote working solutions. While remote working technology has been around for a while, running a complete remote workforce, securely, is still new to many companies.
The need to move quickly in response to the pandemic means that many individuals have been forced into remote working situations before the necessary security procedures are in place.
If you have suddenly found yourself in a remote work situation, there are basic measures you can take to increase the security of your data. We’ve pulled together six quick security tips that can help you increase security.
1. Avoid Free WiFi at All Times
Free public WiFi connections are unsecured, making them an easy and attractive target for hackers and cybercriminals.
2. Secure Your Home Router
Now is the time to check the security settings of your home networking device. It is quite common for home users to continue operating with the initial security settings. Considering all of the WiFi devices that have been granted access to it since then, it is a good idea to update your passwords. You should also update your router firmware.
3. Use SSL Connections
Connecting to websites that don’t have security certificates could put you at risk. If a website doesn’t have a valid SSL connection, avoid it.
4. Use Virtual Private Networks
Ask your corporate IT admin if a VPN is enabled for remote working. This provides a secure environment for your connections.
5. Use Multi-Factor Authentication
A vast majority of security breaches are due to compromised credentials. Multi-factor authentication provides you with an additional layer of security. Ask your IT team to set up MFA, or enable this yourself.
6. Turn Off File Sharing, if Turned On
Often, we turn file sharing on and forget to revoke sharing afterwards. Unless file sharing is required by your employer, keeping this option off will decrease your exposure to online threats. This can be controlled at the router, as well as at the operating system level.
These tips are a basic start to secure remote working. If your company is delivering data and applications through the cloud, it is essential your business is prepared. While public cloud providers do a great job securing cloud infrastructure, you are responsible for securing your data in the cloud. Our cloud security product, FuseSecure, is an all-in-one subscription service that takes care of all of your cloud security needs, including VPNs, firewalls and data encryption.