As a remote worker, you know how important it is to guard your data. But do you know how to protect yourself and stay secure? To help out, we’ve compiled a list of 6 habits of highly secure remote workers. From encryption tips to strengthening your Wi-Fi network, these are the tried-and-true habits of staying safe in the remote workspace.
Start putting these tips into practice and you’ll be able to relax knowing that your data is safe while you log on from coffee shops, airports, and anywhere else life takes you. Let’s dive right in!
Use Strong and Unique Passwords for All Accounts
One of the most important steps you can take to ensure your remote work is secure is using strong and unique passwords for all accounts. This means creating complex passwords for each account that are at least 10 characters long, includes both uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
By having unique passwords for each account, if one of your accounts is compromised, the hacker won't be able to access your other accounts. It's also best practice to regularly update your passwords every few months. Additionally, you should be sure to use two-factor authentication whenever possible—this adds an extra layer of protection from cyber threats.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication Whenever Possible
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your accounts is one of the most important habits to develop as a remote worker. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to provide two pieces of evidence that you're the rightful owner of the account. This extra step significantly reduces the risk of cyberattacks and other malicious intrusions.
You can enable 2FA with many online services, such as Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft. The process involves generating an access code sent to your phone or email address for each login attempt. This code must be entered along with your regular login details in order to gain access to the account.
If you don't have a dedicated work computer, make use of mobile device security tools like Google Authenticator or Authy. These free apps generate time-based tokens that expire in a short period of time and are used instead of static passwords. With these devices in hand, if someone attempts to gain access to your account on a stolen or lost device, they will also need access to your personal mobile device which makes it much more difficult for them to succeed.
Be Wary of Phishing Emails and Malicious Links
When it comes to remote worker security, one of the most common threats is phishing and malicious links. Phishing emails are messages that look like they come from a trustworthy source, but actually contain malicious links to infect your device with malware or viruses.
That's why you should always be wary of any suspicious emails that come in and make sure you verify the sender before clicking on any links. Here are a few tips to help:
Look closely at the email address and make sure it matches the company's official email address.
Check if the link directs you to a legitimate website by hovering over it with your mouse (but don't click!)
Don't download or open attachments from unfamiliar senders
Double check URLs before visiting them
Don't click on pop-ups or alerts that appear when browsing online
These habits can help keep your data safe and ensure you're not falling for any phishing scams. It's also important to make sure you have some kind of secure messaging app like WhatsApp or Signal for communicating with colleagues outside of work.
Use a VPN for Public Wi-Fi Networks
You might not have given it much thought before, but it's important to have a Virtual Private Network (VPN) installed on your devices if you're using them in public spaces. Not only will this protect you from snooping eyes when you're trying to access secure sites and online banking services, but it can also protect your data if you're using a public Wi-Fi network.
Protects your online presence
When you use a VPN, all of your activities are encrypted and secure, while hiding your IP address and making it look like you're accessing the internet from a different location than the one where you are currently located. This way, no one else is able to track what you’re doing online or steal data from any web applications that can expose sensitive information.
Get that extra layer of security
A VPN creates an extra layer of authentication and encryption, so even if someone was able to intercept some of the data being sent between you and the website or app, they won't be able to read it without the decryption key — which only your device has. It's also important to make sure that your VPN is updated regularly with the latest security patches so that it doesn't become vulnerable to attacks.
Keep Software and Passwords Updated
One of the most important habits of highly-secure remote workers is keeping their software and passwords updated. It can be easy to forget to update your browsers, applications and operating systems, but it is incredibly important in order to keep your data safe.
Automatic Updates
The best way to keep software current is to enable automatic updates on devices and programs which do not require manual intervention. Of course, this means making sure you have sufficient bandwidth and storage for any large updates automatically installed without a reminder from you.
Encryption
Always use encryption on any Wi-Fi networks you connect to while working remotely, such as public Wi-Fi hotspots or a personal home network. This encryption will make it difficult for someone to intercept data between your device and an external network.
Password Management
Finally, consider using a password management tool Jto store all your passwords securely in one place. It’s also a good idea to use two-factor authentication whenever possible, as this adds an extra layer of security in case someone gets access to your account information.
Maintain Good Digital Hygiene Habits
It's important to maintain good digital hygiene habits if you're a remote worker—no matter if you're a freelancer, employee, or contractor. Taking the right steps to secure your online accounts, files and communications can help you stay safe while working remotely.
So what are some good digital hygiene habits?
Use Strong Passwords
Having a strong password is essential when it comes to keeping your accounts secure. Making sure that your passwords are made up of a combination of letters, numbers and special characters can help bolster security for all of your accounts. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts and consider using an encrypted password manager.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
You should also enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all of your accounts whenever possible. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your account logging in process by requiring a unique code in addition to your usual credentials. This easy step can save you from being hacked or having your account taken over without permission.
Keep Software Up-to-Date
It's also essential to keep all of the software you use up-to-date, including both device OS updates as well as application updates (for example, Google Chrome or Microsoft Office). That way, you know that the latest patches and security measures are in place and that hackers won't be able to take advantage of any outdated technologies.
Finally, be aware of phishing attacks—by being cautious about what links you click on and who requests information from you online can help keep attackers away from sensitive access points like passwords and login credentials. Taking these security steps is essential for keeping yourself protected while working remotely!
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