As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic which hit nationwide in early 2020, many businesses shifted to remote-work only. While some companies have re-opened their office doors, spikes in cases may see employees returning to their home offices sooner than later.
If your business manages employees while working remotely, you’re going to want to focus on ways to mirror office life as closely as possible, especially when it comes to security.
While suits and ties might be kept in the closet while your company operates remotely, cyber security threats aren’t just limited to the office. In fact, studies have shown that hacking, malware attacks, and other cyber threats have actually increased since people have started regularly working from home.
[Related: Top IT Threats Facing Real Estate Agents]
This makes sense. A home office environment typically won’t have the amount of safeguarding and security practices in place that a professional office does. Not working behind layers of high-quality preventive security measures might actually mean new risks. Your business should acknowledge these risks and adapt to make working remotely just as safe and secure as working from the office.
Review the following policy guidelines for cyber safety and check out how to make working remotely more secure for your company.
Secure Your Home Wireless Connection
One of the most important things to do while working remotely is to ensure your home wireless network is secure. Do the following to amplify your home Wi-Fi’s security:
- Create unique and strong passwords for your router settings
- Stay on top of updates to your firmware and make sure you’re running the latest version
- Name your network something cryptic rather than Your Name’s Wi-Fi
- Enable network encryption
Disconnect Your Camera
When you operate your company remotely you’re also eliminating in-person meetings. Zoom, Google Hangouts, and other video call programs have increased in popularity. But what a lot of people don’t know is that leaving your webcam on and uncovered gives hackers easier access than ever before. Cyber attackers can use your webcam without permission, view confidential information, and violate your privacy.
To avoid this risk, use a sliding webcam cover if you’re using a built-in camera. If your webcam is separate from your computer, make sure you unplug it after each meeting.
[Related: 5 Questions to Assess Your Company’s Cybersecurity Risk]
Use Strong Passwords
A weak password is an open-door for cyber criminals, with over 60% of all data breaches are a result of easy-to-guess, stolen, or default passwords. Make certain that you and your employees are using strong, complex passwords that contain a combination of numbers, special characters, and upper and lowercase letters. Never autosave on shared devices, share your passwords with family or friends, or send a password over email.
Run Antivirus Software
Running a quality antivirus software in the background of your existing operations can help you breathe a little easier when it comes to cyber security. Antivirus software can take care of threats including malware, spyware, phishing scams, viruses, and more—and they typically automatically update so you won’t have to think twice.
Contact Managed IT Systems Like CMIT Solutions
Cyber security while working from home is a crucial consideration for any business during this time. But managing the threat of data breaches, maintaining security in multiple locations, and running a business is a lot to manage alone.
That’s why CMIT Solutions has your back.
[Related: 10 Eye-Opening Data Loss and Recovery Statistics]
At CMIT Solutions of Bothell, we partner with companies in a variety of industries, from accounting to hospitality, to solidify security and protect and back up your data. We provide 24/7 maintenance and IT support so you can focus on growing your business..
CMIT Solutions is ready to respond to your every cyber security need — whether you’re in or out of the office. Contact us today and let’s get started.
Featured image via Unsplash
