The theme for week 3 of Cyber Security Awareness Month is “working and networking.”
With our extensive experience in creating secure remote work environments, we’ll be taking you through a few ways to make sure your WFH setup is secure.
When You’re WFH
Security risks exist even from the comfort of your home. Cyber criminals can do more than just use your Wi-Fi for free. They can gain access to company passwords and files on your browser and use your network for their own illegal activity.
Here’s how to protect the networks you use to work from home:
- The basics: make sure you’ve changed the default name and password for your router. Many cyber criminals are familiar with this information. Include a passphrase (4 words that are over 15 characters long when combined) in your password for maximum strength.
- Guest networks: if you’re not comfortable with guests using the same network you work on, set up a guest WiFi. Standard internet providers usually include a guest network option.
- Firewalls: company accounts and devices might require more than the protection provided by routers and built-in firewalls. As a leader, make sure company devices have additional firewall measures installed. As an employee, ask your organization’s IT staff if these measures are included.
Even if you can’t physically monitor or keep track of devices security in your organization, there are many cloud and remote friendly solutions. Stay proactive an explore what your organization could benefit from.
Did you know? According to Canada’s Communications Security Establishment, the best place to have your router is in the middle of your space. This location is the least likely to be accessible by people outside of the home.
When You’re Not WFH
Working from home doesn’t always literally mean working from home. Many Canadians opt for co-working spaces or cafes as their ‘office’ for the day.
There’s nothing wrong with working in a public space. Whether your home office is small or you’re (naturally) tired of working in the same room for the 100th day in a row, public working spaces can be a needed change of scenery.
But with this change of scenery, it is important to take extra precaution.
- Limit Wi-Fi Use. Only connect to public networks when you absolutely need to and disconnect when doing offline work.
- Use a VPN. If most of your work requires an internet connection, a virtual private network (VPN) is a smart investment. A VPN provides a secure and independent network that encrypts and protects your data. Lots of internet service providers offer VPNs as a secondary service, so make sure to check with your provider before buying one online*
- Choose a secluded table. If you have sensitive information on your screen, do not sit somewhere others could see it.
- Enable SSL encryption. Never trust the wireless encryption on a public Wi-Fi network. Instead, enable SSL encryption to keep your internet connection secure. SSL can be enabled through the security settings on most browsers.
*If you’re looking for enterprise protection, there are plenty of VPN subscriptions for diverse needs. Begin your search with our VPN Service Options.
Did you know? Websites that don’t have ‘https’ in the URL are not secure. Your browser will usually give a warning when you’re about enter such a website. If it doesn’t, the ‘lock’ next to the URL will be unlocked.
The Point
Unfortunately, the privacy of your home does not always guarantee a secure environment. Cyber criminals can target devices not only when employees work in public spaces but also through home networks.
Organizations should always have additional security measures implemented into devices and employees should be vocal about security concerns when they arise.
Above everything, proactivity is key to preventing security breaches. Routinely check the security of accounts and devices, adding new measures where needed.
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