Although remote work can be a lot more convenient than the traditional methods, it also brings some security issues along with it.
Everything You Need To Know About Remote Working Security
In order to avoid worrying about your data’s safety and being able to fully focus on your work, it’s important to follow the upcoming seven security tips.
1. Cloud Apps
Depending on how long you’ve been working remotely, there’s almost no doubt that you’ve used at least one cloud-based application, whether you realize it or not.
They have multiple benefits. Cloud software lets you exchange data between you and your coworkers so that duplicate work is avoided. Also, it updates in real-time in order to help you minimize time losses.
In addition, cloud apps can be used for backups, which is especially convenient if you’re dealing with documents, images, videos, etc.
2. VPNs
When you’re working remotely, the chances are high that you’re using an unsecured WiFi hotspot with hundreds of different people connected to it.
This makes you an easy target for malicious attacks, including spyware, trojans, ransomware, etc. Your work could get stolen, which would cause compromising information to be accessible to pretty much anyone.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts the exchanged data packets so that anyone who tries to access it from the outside is met with a jumbled, untraceable mess of information. There are both free and paid VPNs that can be set up in a matter of minutes.
3. Password Managers
A lot of online accounts translate into a lot of passwords that you have to keep track of. There is a possibility of using the same one for everything, but that would be a massive security risk.
Password manager tools group up all of the passwords and keep them locked under a single, master password. They’re usually available in the form of a browser add-on or as a standalone application. However, this still means that you have to remember at least one phrase in order to be able to access all the other ones.
4. Reverse Phone Lookup & Email Search
With hundreds of emails and dozens of phone calls that you receive daily, it’s important to be very careful when opening certain links or answering calls. Spokeo is a people intelligence tool that could help you uncover the person behind the email/call.
If you’ve received a suspicious email, all you have to do is run an email search. Analogously, a sketchy phone call could be resolved with a reverse phone lookup. Spokeo will show you the person’s full info, from their name and address to the corresponding social media profiles.
5. Avoid External WiFi Sources
If you only use your own password-protected WiFi hotspot while you’re at home, there’s no risk of anyone else getting access to your data unless they’re able to crack the connection password.
Public hotspots are the largest dangers that you’ll be facing while remote working, and the simplest solution is to avoid them altogether.
If you have mobile data, you can also that as your Internet source – anything is better than putting yourself at risk. Still, if you have urgent work and public WiFi hotspot is your only option, make sure to use a VPN.
6. Two-Factor Authentication
This type of authentication is based on two things – something that you know and something that you own. Usually, this means that after you try to log into a certain website, you’ll receive a confirmation code on your phone that you’ll have to input in order to gain access to your data.
There are also other apps that can be used for two-factor authentication, such as Google Authenticator, Authy, Twilio, and others. However, it depends on which types the platform that you’re using supports.
7. Backups
When everything else fails, it’s important to have something to fall back onto. In case you have a separate backup of all your important data, losing any information will only be a minor setback.
There are many different ways to backup your data – USB sticks, external hard drives, CD/DVD discs, etc. Which one you’ll use depends on your budget and the amount of information that you’re saving.
Usually, external hard drives are the best medium for this, but their prices can range between $100-2000. Still, it’s a good investment that will help you keep your peace of mind.
Remote work can be very rewarding, especially if you’ve taken all the necessary precautions beforehand. If you implement these seven tips and stick to them, there’s no doubt that you’ll have an enjoyable, issue-free remote working experience.
Maguire Haigh is a marketing manager for Spokeo. He is interested in the latest technology trends, marketing strategies and business development.
He also prefers travelling, exploring the world and meeting new people. Maguire has great experience in creating and editing articles on different topics.