With the rise of remote work, prioritising cybersecurity at home has become increasingly important. Protecting your work devices and sensitive data is crucial for maintaining a safe and productive work environment. This blog post provides an easy-to-follow checklist to enhance your cybersecurity while working from home. We’ll also discuss the benefits of having a separate work network and why it’s essential to keep your personal and professional devices isolated.
- Secure Your Wi-Fi Network:
- Change the default password of your home router to a strong, unique passphrase.
- Enable WPA2 or WPA3 encryption to protect your wireless network.
- Regularly update your router’s firmware to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Disable remote management to prevent unauthorised access to your router.
2. Create a Separate Work Network:
- Set up a dedicated network for your work devices, such as a virtual LAN (VLAN) or a separate physical network.
- Connect your work devices exclusively to this network, keeping them isolated from personal devices.
- This separation prevents potential malware infections on personal devices from spreading to your work devices.
3. Utilise Strong Authentication:
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible, adding an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Use unique, complex passwords for all your accounts and consider employing a password manager to securely store them.
- Regularly change your passwords and avoid reusing them across multiple accounts.
4. Update and Patch Regularly:
- Keep all your devices, including operating systems, applications, and security software, up to date with the latest patches.
- Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure timely protection against emerging threats.
- Regularly check for firmware updates for your router and other network devices.
5. Employ Robust Antivirus and Firewall Solutions:
- Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on all your devices.
- Enable firewalls on your computers and configure them to block unauthorised inbound and outbound network connections.
- Regularly scan your devices for malware and remove any threats detected.
6. Secure Your Home Office Environment:
- Lock your computer when stepping away, even for short periods, to prevent unauthorised access.
- Keep sensitive documents and physical files stored securely and out of sight.
- Install privacy filters on your screens to prevent shoulder surfing.
7. Encrypt Data and Back It Up:
- Enable full-disk encryption on your work devices to protect data in case of theft or loss.
- Regularly back up your important work files to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or a secure backup service.
- Verify the encryption and security measures your chosen cloud storage provider provides.
8. Be Cautious with Emails and Links:
- Exercise caution when opening emails or clicking links, particularly from unfamiliar sources or suspicious-looking emails.
- Avoid downloading attachments or accessing links if uncertain about their authenticity.
- Report phishing attempts or suspicious emails to your IT department or security team.
9. Educate Yourself on Cybersecurity Best Practices:
- Stay updated with the latest cybersecurity news and emerging threats.
- Participate in cybersecurity training programs or webinars to enhance your knowledge.
- Share best practices with colleagues to strengthen your organisation’s security posture.
Following our checklist above can significantly enhance your cybersecurity while working from home. Establishing a separate work network provides an added layer of protection by isolating your work devices from personal devices, minimising the risk of malware infections and unauthorised access. Remember, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, so encourage your colleagues and family members to adopt these practices.