4 ways to stay safe at work when working remotely

As more people work from home, they may be exposed to viruses and other online dangers that may not threaten their physical health but could put their jobs at risk. Individuals without the support of an IT team may be more vulnerable to scams.

Here are 4 ways to keep your work safe when working remotely. (Illustration)

Ensure strong internet and wifi connection

Download speeds below 30 mbps can lead to problems accessing private networks, cloud storage services, or conference calls and meetings. To boost your home wifi speed, consider add-ons like Google's "mesh" WiFi router system, which can cover an area with a stronger signal, or TP-Link's wired system.
When working remotely, use your phone as a mobile hotspot if your plan allows it. Whenever you have to log in to free, unsecured public wifi, turn on a VPN service to keep your data more secure.

Set up automatic data backup

Use a cloud-based product to protect your information from data loss. For Apple devices, you can use iCloud. Google Drive and Google Photos provide cloud services for PCs, Android and Apple devices.

Beware of scams

Most cyberattacks require user interaction—that is, you have to click on a phishing link. In a remote work environment, it’s harder to rely on your IT department’s security net. Phishing, in which malicious URLs are disguised as benign text, is the most common type of attack.

Use strong passwords

Consider using passphrases for your passwords. Passphrases are unrelated words that you string together to create a password (for example, "YellowOctopus" or "StuffyTar"). Add numbers and special characters to make them stronger. Avoid weak passwords that relate to your personal life, and don't reuse passwords or passphrases for different accounts.
Use a password manager to keep track of your passwords. Set up two-factor authentication for your accounts whenever possible. Change your password immediately if you suspect a breach.

Khanh Son (Synthesis)

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