Working from home is different than working in a corporate environment where you have information technology and security departments securing the work environment from behind the scenes. When moving to a home office, you therefore need to adapt and supplement many measures to ensure that the company’s IT security remains intact. In particular, Wi-Fi protection, VPN connection and encryption of e-mail communication must be taken into account.
That’s why we recommend you to read and apply our security solutions and tips. Because once you are familiar with our advice, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of working from home without neglecting IT security.
- Secure your computer with password or biometrics (facial recognition, fingerprint). Use a secure password (upper and lower case letters, numbers, special characters).
- Separate personal and business computers. If there is only one device, set up a business profile and a private profile (separate log-ins).
- Install an antivirus program.
- Make sure that the operating system and antivirus program are updated daily. Perform the updates before starting your work. This applies to all application programs.
- Secure your WiFi with a password. The computer’s password should not be the same as the one for your WiFi. Choose a password that can not be traced back to you.
- Activate WiFi encryption in your router.
- Encrypt your emails.
- If possible, set up a VPN connection. If you do not have a secure VPN infrastructure yet, find out about possible solutions.
- Do not open emails with strange subject lines. Delete them and also remove already deleted emails from the “trash”. Do not open attachments of emails that seem suspicious.
- Back up your data regularly in short intervals, either on an external data carrier or in a cloud. The data medium should be password-protected and encrypted.
On this note, stay calm, healthy and, above all, safe!
