Introduction
Working from home is becoming increasingly common in our modern world. While there are many benefits to working remotely, it also comes with unique security risks that must be considered. In this article, I will provide an in-depth look at the security issues facing home workers and actionable steps you can take to protect your work devices, accounts, and data.
Physical Security of Devices
When working in an office, your computer and other equipment is usually behind locked doors and monitored by security systems. At home, special care must be taken to physically protect your devices from theft or damage:
- Never leave laptops or other mobile devices unattended – Especially in public places, keep them with you or locked away out of sight.
- Use privacy screens – These filter the screen display so it can only be viewed head-on, preventing onlookers from seeing sensitive info.
- Lock computers when not in use – Require a password upon waking computer from sleep mode.
- Secure tablets and phones – Use device tracking, remote wipe, and theft deterrence apps.
- Keep devices safely stored when not in use – Don’t leave them out on the kitchen table, for example.
Securing Home Networks
Working from home means your devices are connected to a residential network rather than your employer’s corporate network. This can introduce vulnerabilities if proper precautions aren’t taken:
- Use a firewall – A hardware firewall creates a buffer between your home network and the internet.
- Encrypt your wireless network – Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption on your wireless router to prevent unauthorized access.
- Install antivirus software – Protect all computers and devices connected to your home network.
- Disable remote management – Turn off admin access to your router from outside your home network.
- Use VPN when connecting to work resources – A VPN tunnels your connection through your employer’s network.
Account Security Best Practices
Just as in the office, following strong account security measures is crucial when working from home:
- Use strong, unique passwords – Leverage a password manager so you can use complex, randomized passwords.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) – 2FA requires you to provide a one-time code from your phone when logging in.
- Be cautious of phishing scams – Cybercriminals may target remote workers with sophisticated phishing emails attempting to steal login credentials.
- Monitor accounts for suspicious activity – Immediately report any login locations or activity you don’t recognize.
- Only access sensitive accounts from personal devices – Never log into work accounts from public computers.
Securing Sensitive Company Data
When remote working, you may need to handle company data like customer records, financial documents, intellectual property, and more. Protecting this info is critical:
- Use approved secure collaboration tools – Rather than email, collaborate via your company’s approved platforms that use encryption, access controls, and authentication.
- Encrypt sensitive files – Use encryption software provided by your company to protect docs, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- Store data only on approved cloud apps and drives – Follow data storage policy and avoid saving company data locally or to personal accounts.
- Transfer files securely – When sharing data with co-workers, use password-protected attachments, links, or your company’s secure file transfer system.
- Lock computer screen when away – Follow established screen locking policy to prevent unauthorized viewing of data.
Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Working where you live has its perks, but can make maintaining boundaries tricky. Here are tips to improve work-life balance when working remotely:
- Define a separate workspace – If possible, work in a spare room or basement to keep work/life separate.
- Set and keep regular work hours – Avoid the temptation to work crazy hours. Stick to standard workday schedule.
- Take regular breaks – Step away from your workspace for quick breaks to refresh. Eat lunch away from your work area.
- Keep up work/home routines – Shower, dress for work, take breaks, and so on. Maintaining routines will help mentally separate work and home.
- Set communication expectations – Let family know when you are unavailable or sensitive to interruptions.
Conclusion
Working from home presents unique data, device, and network security challenges. However, with strong security practices, policies, tools, and vigilance concerning threats, home workers can protect their employer’s assets and interests. Maintaining work-life balance is also key for productivity and wellbeing. This requires establishing spaces, schedules, and communication expectations even when the office is down the hall. By taking the proper security precautions and setting boundaries, remote employees can work safely and succeed in their roles.
