The holidays are here, and many of us will be working remotely at least some of the time. But that does not mean that you can afford to let security succumb to this season.
Device Security
The first place to start when you’re thinking about security is with your individual devices. You want to ensure that you have strong passwords on all of your accounts and, if possible, consider using a password generator and manager. Two-factor authentication will also add a second layer of security, ensuring that accounts can’t be logged into from other remote devices without your direct approval.
Talk to your IT department about device encryption and setting up a VPN for your laptop, phone, tablet, and any other device which you will access sensitive work information from remotely.
Data Breach Prevention
In addition to the above, you also want to take measures to prevent a data breach/network intrusion. Start by updating the software on all of your devices. This will help protect against vulnerabilities by adding the latest security patches to your security systems. Importantly, you should also avoid public Wi-Fi networks for all work-related activity. If you must login from a public Wi-Fi, make sure your VPN is accessible.
If you are a manager or IT supervisor, take the time to train your company staff about phishing and other social engineering attacks that take advantage of human nature. Further, don’t use social media to discuss company-specific details unless authorized to do so.
Privacy Policies
Something else to consider as you work remotely is setting boundaries with your family (or establishing rules for your employees that require familial boundaries). In other words, don’t hand the kids your work phone or tablet to entertain themselves during a long car ride. If you have not yet, make sure that your devices are strongly secured, ideally with facial or fingerprint recognition.
The holidays are not the time that you want to stress about the security of your or your employees’ devices. By following the steps above and contacting ITC for more information on securing your digital world, your devices can stay secure all season long.
Contact ITC today for more information about cybersecurity measures that can keep your important data, systems, and software secure.
