The concept of a home office, or remote work, has become ingrained in society, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even companies handling sensitive data and substantial financial transactions now offer employees the option to work from home. Unfortunately, cybersecurity awareness and expertise is still lacking in the business world. However, many companies are setting a positive example by implementing internal cyber compliance policies and security and emergency protocols. When such guidelines don't extend to the home office realm, there is a tendency to overlook secure IT practices. In this blog post, we overview the key aspects of cybersecurity that you or your employees should consider when working from home.
The foundation for successful home office work is a secure internet connection. Therefore, it's crucial that the network you use is well-equipped for security. Assign a strong password to your Wi-Fi – for more guidance, see our blog post "Password Management for Businesses" (insert LINK). Also, change the name of your Wi-Fi network (SSID) so that it's not directly associated with you. Preventing potential attackers from knowing which network you're using creates an initial barrier to attacks. Furthermore, always keep your Wi-Fi updated to the latest standards by regularly applying security and software updates released by your provider. Ensure that the network encryption of your Wi-Fi is at the highest security level, which is WPA2 for Wi-Fi routers manufactured after 2006 and either WEP or WPA otherwise. Lastly, we recommend adjusting the access permissions for your Wi-Fi to prevent unauthorized access. By following these instructions, your network will be reasonably secure.
A secure work device is essential for safe home office work. Regularly implement all necessary security measures to ensure your work device does not become vulnerable to a cyberattack. Start by always using the latest operating system and regularly applying software updates. You can schedule the timing for downloading and installing updates to avoid interfering with your work hours. Investing in antivirus software is highly recommended as it detects viruses early and prevents compromises to your IT system. Whenever possible, avoid using the same work devices for personal use. This strict separation not only reduces the attack surface for cyberattacks but also minimizes the damage from a successful attack. By following these instructions, your work device will be reasonably secure.
Always use strong passwords and, when possible, implement MFA or 2FA for all logins. For more details on both these recommendations, refer to our blog posts "Password Management for Businesses" (LINK) and "Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)" (LINK). Ensure that you always establish secure connections. If your company offers a virtual private network (VPN), use it to connect to the corporate network. Avoid accessing unsafe or unfamiliar websites. Use the same tools (apps, programs, etc.) at home that you use at your traditional workplace. For data transfers, only use reputable applications, including encrypted cloud storage, to avoid compromising sensitive data. To prevent malware infection, only download from sources you're familiar with and trust.
Just like in your private life, avoid becoming a victim of phishing attacks in your home office work. Use a trustworthy email provider, as market leaders successfully filter out most phishing emails. However, some still reach your inbox, so always be cautious. The human factor is often the weakest link in the security chain. Be critical and question anything that seems unusual. This will help fend off social engineering attacks.
Regularly back up your data and store it externally. This prevents data loss and makes data recovery easier in case of a ransomware attack.
Analog aspects are also indispensable for secure home office work. Set up your workspace in a way that ensures privacy. This prevents prying eyes from accessing sensitive information that can inadvertently fall into the wrong hands. Also, make sure your workspace is off-limits to your children: a wrong click could compromise your security.
For readers in leadership positions, we recommend establishing guidelines and security protocols for home office work. Prevention measures are of paramount importance, and it is essential to have emergency protocols in place. During or after a cyberattack, time is crucial. The success of defending against an attack and minimizing damage largely depend on the response. Train your employees and provide comprehensive education about home office risks.
In general, use your common sense while working from home and always be cautious and critical. At Teichmann International (IT Solutions) AG, we are here to assist you at all times, providing guidance, seminars, and training to make the home office model attractive and secure for both employees and employers.