4 Tips to Secure Your Home Office

Lessons from an Unusual Consultation

Last week, I had what I can only describe as the most memorable IT consultation of my career. I walked into what my client dramatically called their “secret sanctum” (spoiler alert: it was their basement), complete with bean bag chairs and an impressive gaming setup. While the setting was unconventional, it led to some important reflections about home office security that I’m eager to share.

As I descended the stairs, expecting to find the typical home office setup, I was pleasantly surprised. Despite my client’s theatrical flair (and slightly concerning tendency to want to keep visitors for gaming sessions), they had implemented some impressive security practices that I often find myself recommending to other clients.

What struck me most was how they had transformed a casual basement space into a secure work environment. While most of us don’t need a dramatic “sanctum” for our home office, the principles behind their setup were spot-on. Their attention to detail – from proper document storage to robust digital security – demonstrated a deep understanding of remote work security needs.

Through this unusual consultation, I was reminded of several crucial security practices that every remote worker should consider. Here’s what impressed me most about their setup, along with some quick tips for implementing similar measures in your own home office:

Quick Tips for a Secure Home Office:

1. Physical Security Basics

   • Create a dedicated workspace with a door that closes
   • Install a simple lock on your office door if possible
   • Use a lockable filing cabinet for sensitive documents
   • Clear your desk of confidential information when not in use

2. Digital Security Must-Haves

   • Enable lock screens on ALL devices (no exceptions!)
   • Set up automatic updates to run during your lunch break
   • Use a password manager instead of sticky notes
   • Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible

3. Workspace Management

   • Establish “office hours” to maintain security routines
   • Create a end-of-day security checklist
   • Position screens away from windows and doors
   • Keep your work area separate from family spaces

4. Remote Connection Security

   • Use a VPN when connecting to company resources
   • Ensure your home WiFi has a strong password
   • Regularly update your router’s firmware
   • Use a separate network for work devices if possible

While my client’s basement “sanctum” might have been a bit over the top (complete with an automated locking door system – which I definitely don’t recommend!), their commitment to security was admirable. They understood that working from home isn’t just about having a comfortable setup for Zoom calls – it’s about creating a secure environment that protects both personal and company data.

The experience reminded me that good security doesn’t have to be complicated or extreme. It’s about implementing simple, consistent practices that become part of your daily routine. Sometimes it takes an unusual experience – like an IT consultation in a secured basement office – to highlight the importance of these basic principles.

Whether you’re just setting up your home office or looking to enhance your current security measures, remember that every small step matters. Start with the basics and build from there. Your home office might not need to be a high-security “sanctum,” but it should be a space where you can work confidently knowing your data is protected.

Ready to take your home office security to the next level? CMIT Solutions is the strategic IT partner of choice in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Contact them today to learn more about securing your remote workspace – and I promise their consultations won’t involve any locked doors or impromptu gaming sessions!