Avoid cyber attacks whilst working from home by taking these steps

Soon we'll mark a year since most of global office work moved to homes thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unfortunately, an increasing number of cyberattacks and their victims shows vulnerabilities that hackers are exploiting during these uncertain times. “Studies show that more than 60% of employees admit to using their personal computers for remote work,” says Oliver Noble, a cybersecurity expert at NordLocker, an encryption-powered data security solution.

“Personal devices might lack the necessary security software usually installed on corporate computers. And the fact is well-known to hackers who look for the weakest link for stealing valuable information.” No one is safe from hacking attempts. However, each of us working from home can avoid the risks by exercising some basic cybersecurity measures.

1. Use a separate device and accounts for work. To avoid creating risks for your company‘s IT infrastructure, it’s best you keep your personal and professional devices separate. The same goes for user accounts. Laptops issued by your employer should contain security tools needed for protection. Make sure all your software is up to date so that you don’t miss out on important security upgrades.

If you have only one device for both personal and work purposes, consider partitioning its hard drive.
 

2. Keep your home network secure. Make sure your router is password-protected and you use a reliable VPN (virtual private network) to secure your internet connection. A VPN significantly reduces outsiders‘ ability to intercept your data and target what you do online. If your company doesn’t use a business VPN, you can always subscribe to a user-friendly solution for individual use.
 

3. Rethink your passwords. Never reuse your passwords, instead create a complex and unique password for every account out there. If your work or personal account gets compromised in a data breach, you‘ll need to change only one password. This way, all your other accounts will remain safe from credential stuffing attempts. For safely storing this vast number of passwords, start using a password manager.
 

4. Encrypt sensitive files in storage and in transit. NordLocker‘s analysis shows that remote work had a huge impact on file protection by encryption - average encrypted data per user has increased 19.5 times since March 2020. Once you encrypt your file, it becomes safe to send, store it on a laptop, or upload it to the cloud. Only you and the people you grant access to can see its contents. And the best solution against destructive cyberattacks like ransomware is an encrypted cloud. It will provide safe backup for your files if you get locked out of your computer in a cyber incident.
 

5. Stay alert. Have you received a food delivery coupon on your work email? Don’t open it — it‘s most likely a scam. By entering your password to claim that offer, you might cause harm to the whole network of your company. Don‘t open emails you never expected to receive, don’t enter your personal details within an email, don‘t download attachments, and never click on any links if you‘re not 100% sure about the legitimacy of a sender. “Social engineering and phishing attacks can be elaborate. We see more and more cases when scammers pose as coworkers or managers to get employees to give up sensitive company information,” warns Oliver Noble.