We can all agree that the remote workforce is progressively growing larger. As the remote workforce continues to expand, adopting effective cybersecurity practices for remote workers has become essential to mitigate the rising risk of cyber-attacks.

Here are a few tips on enforcing good cybersecurity practices for remote workers.

Among the most important cybersecurity practices for remote workers is using a VPN to protect data and ensure privacy when accessing remote resources. A VPN ensures that your data remains confidential and protected from potential eavesdroppers. It does this by encrypting traffic from your devices to the internet, making it challenging for cyber criminals to intercept.

Another advantage is that VPNs mask your IP address thus anonymizing your online presence. Doing this prevents websites and third-party applications from tracking your online activities. Most companies provide VPNs to provide a secure way for their remote employees to access company resources. This shields intellectual property from potential threats.

If your company doesn’t provide a VPN or you’re a freelancer, there are many VPN providers to choose from. Many have a free option to get a feel of their services before you purchase a subscription. Whichever option you choose, just make sure you have a working VPN on all the devices you use to access the internet while working.

A firewall is another important tool that you’ll need to secure your devices while working remotely. Firewalls are hardware devices or software used to monitor and filter network traffic. Using a firewall helps you monitor traffic, block potential threats such as malware, and prevent unauthorized access.

They act as a barrier between your device and the internet, blocking or allowing data packets depending on predefined rules. Firewalls are also able to detect patterns indicative of cyber-attacks and alert you before an actual attack happens.

Overall, implementing firewalls together with VPNs creates a strong first line of defence for your devices against internet threats.

Passwords are susceptible to various forms of attacks including brute-force attacks, phishing, and dictionary attacks. With two-factor authentication, even if a password is compromised, an additional verification step is needed. This makes it more challenging for attackers to gain unauthorized access.

In two-factor authentication, you have to provide two methods of identification. Usually, it is something you know (e.g. PIN, password), something you have (e.g. token), or something you are (e.g. biometric). The most common method is the use of a password combined with a verification code sent to your SMS or email.

As a remote worker, always opt for two-factor authentication when logging in to devices or applications. This will make it harder for unauthorized individuals to access your devices.

We all know the importance of strong passwords. A good password is easy to remember but hard for others to guess. This means that you shouldn’t use dictionary words, or personal information as part of your password. In addition, your passwords should be at least 12 characters long and consist of a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.

However, it can be overwhelming to consistently come up with complex passwords for all the different apps and devices you use. That’s where a password manager comes in. A password manager generates unique complex passwords for you and stores them in a secure repository. Password managers have a convenient autofill feature that simplifies the login process. They also allow you to access your credentials securely from any device.

If you’re using a password manager, all you need is to remember one password and you’re set. This makes it easy to secure all your apps and devices with strong passwords using minimum effort. Just remember to keep the password to your password manager secure and you won’t have any problems.

According to a recent study, 74% of security breaches involve the human element. That is why it is important for you as a remote worker to educate yourself on major security threats, especially phishing attacks and social engineering.

In phishing, attackers disguise themselves as trustworthy entities and try to trick you into divulging sensitive information. This information includes login credentials, financial information, or personal details that can be used for malicious intent. Major types of phishing attacks include vishing, spear phishing, email phishing, and smashing.

Once you educate yourself on the common tactics used for phishing, you’ll be able to protect yourself from such attacks. For example, a typical email phishing attempt often includes multiple spelling and grammar mistakes, generic greetings, and suspicious links, and often comes from an unknown source. If you receive such an email, you should not open it or click any links in it.

Additional steps you can take to protect yourself against phishing is by installing reputable antivirus and anti-phishing tools to detect and block malicious content.

We’ve already mentioned the use of VPNs to ensure privacy when accessing online resources. In addition to VPNs, there are other tools you can implement to ensure secure communication. For example, when using messaging apps, use the ones that implement end-to-end encryption. These kinds of apps ensure that only the intended recipient can decipher the transmitted messages.

There are also cloud storage services with encryption, file encryption software, and email encryption services. Choose the tools you require depending on your needs to ensure that your online communications are secure and your sensitive data is protected.

Reckless use of social media can expose you to unprecedented security threats. Social media platforms are often used by attackers to execute social engineering attacks. A seemingly harmless message could be used to manipulate you into divulging sensitive information. To be safe, don’t respond to unsolicited messages, especially those requesting for personal information or urging immediate action. If you have any doubts about a person’s identity, don’t engage with them.

Ensure that you set privacy settings on all social media platforms to limit the information available to the public. For example, your email, phone number, and full legal name shouldn’t be displayed publicly. You should also avoid relaying live information about your location on social media to protect yourself from people with malicious intent.

You might be wondering what backing up data has to do with cybersecurity. Well, if malware corrupts your data, having a backup will allow you to recover all your data and proceed with work as usual. A good backup plan is a crucial part of any cybersecurity strategy.

As a remote worker, you should implement the 3-2-1 backup strategy. This means having three copies of your work, that is, the original plus two duplicates. Next, have two storage types, for example, an external hard drive and virtual storage. Last, but not least, have one copy stored away from your business e.g. in the cloud. Ensure that you consistently back up your data to keep it current.

Periodically conduct data recovery tests to check if your backup solutions are working effectively. With these measures in place, you’ll be able to keep your data safe and recover it quickly in the event of a cyber-attack.

Securing your software applications is not enough, you also need physical security. As a remote worker, this is a factor you might have overlooked. You should limit physical access to your home office and devices. When not in use, ensure that your devices are secured using cable locks or placed in lockable cabinets to prevent theft.

Communicating and enforcing clear guidelines regarding visitors in your home office space is also important. Whether it’s family members, friends, or maintenance workers, establish protocols to maintain a secure environment around your devices. Installing sturdy locks on doors and windows is also a great way to enforce physical security.

You should also consider additional security systems such as smart home security systems, or security software for enhanced protection.

Adopting effective cybersecurity practices for remote workers is essential to safeguarding your data and maintaining a secure work environment. By using tools like VPNs, password managers, and two-factor authentication, and staying informed about potential threats, you can confidently protect yourself from cyber risks while thriving in the remote work landscape.