working from home security risks

Working From Home Security Risks: Protecting Yourself in the New Normal

As technology has improved and the internet has become more ubiquitous, working remotely has become more commonplace. This was true before the COVID-19 pandemic forced many offices to close and people to work from home. Since then, remote work has become the norm for many professionals. While there are many benefits to working from home, there are also some security risks that you should be aware of. In this article, we'll discuss those risks and what you can do to protect yourself.

Risks of Working from Home

There are several security risks that come with working from home. One of the biggest risks is that your home network may not be as secure as your office network. Most workplaces have IT departments that work to keep their network secure, but when you're working from home, it's up to you to keep your network secure.

Another risk is that your home computer or other devices may not be as up-to-date with security patches and virus protection as your work devices. This could make you an easy target for hackers and other cybercriminals.

Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to gain access to sensitive information. They may use phishing emails or other social engineering tactics to gain access to your network or steal your login credentials. They may also exploit vulnerabilities in software or use malware to gain access to your computer.

Protecting Yourself While Working from Home

There are several things you can do to protect yourself while working from home. The first thing you should do is make sure that your home network is secure. This means changing the default password on your router and ensuring that your Wi-Fi network is encrypted.

You should also make sure that any devices you're using for work have up-to-date virus protection and security patches. Make sure that your software is updated regularly, and avoid downloading software or applications from untrusted sources.

Another important step you can take is to use strong and unique passwords for all of your accounts. This will help prevent hackers from gaining access to your accounts, even if they manage to steal your login credentials. You should also consider using multi-factor authentication for all of your accounts.

When it comes to your work, be cautious about what information you share over email or other messaging platforms. Be wary of unexpected or unusual requests or attachments, and verify the sender before clicking on any links or downloading any attachments.

Conclusion

Working from home has become the new normal for many people, but it's important to be aware of the security risks that come with remote work. By taking the steps we've outlined in this article, you can help protect yourself and your sensitive information while working from home.