Remote work has become a new reality for many professionals. Employees, ranging from designers to accountants, often handle sensitive information, which presents a risk of compromise when operating outside an office environment. To help navigate these challenges, Kaspersky experts have compiled a checklist that empowers remote employees to work in comfort while maintaining data security.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of remote workers has increased dramatically. According to Buffer statistics, the vast majority of employees (98%) are in favor of at least partial remote work, and an equal percentage would recommend this arrangement to others.
Although working from home is often more convenient than a daily commute to the office, it’s crucial to stay alert regarding safety measures. Remote workers can ensure all their data remains secure by following these steps:
Separating work-related devices from personal ones
Despite the popularity of the “Bring Your Own Device” approach, it’s wise to maintain a clear distinction between work-related and personal devices. It’s advisable to perform work-related tasks exclusively on a dedicated work laptop and reserve activities such as watching movies, downloading games, or checking personal emails for personal devices. This practice reduces the risk of potential data breaches. To further protect personal devices, using a reliable security solution helps to prevent the download of malware and access to malicious sites.
Utilizing company-approved communication tools
Engaging in work-related discussions through personal messaging apps or email accounts may introduce unnecessary risks. While many personal services tout their security measures, corporate communication tools are designed with enhanced privacy standards and compliance in mind. Relying solely on company-approved platforms ensures that sensitive information remains protected.
Only using software, a company provides
The same rules apply to programs – it is recommended to download and use only the applications provided or approved by the organization. Third-party software can introduce vulnerabilities that may compromise security. If additional tools are necessary for job performance, it is best to request them from the organization directly.
Connecting to secure Wi-Fi networks
For remote workers, it’s advisable to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks. If the connection is a necessity, verifying the legitimacy of the network with facility staff, in a café or airport, can reduce the risk of connecting to deceptive networks targeting personal information. When connecting with a personal device, utilizing a reliable VPN can enhance security by encrypting data and safeguarding online activities from unauthorized access.
Keeping passwords private
Passwords act as gateways to sensitive information, so maintaining their confidentiality is crucial. Storing passwords on paper, even in secure locations at home, is not a secure practice. It may be beneficial to use the association method for creating passwords that are both memorable and complex. For example, a phrase «In 2015, I celebrated my birthday in Tokyo» could be transformed into a password «In20:15IcmBD@T».
“While remote work can create vulnerabilities, following a few simple guidelines can greatly reduce the risk of data compromise. For instance, separating work and personal devices is crucial, as it not only safeguards sensitive information from potential leaks, but also minimizes the risk of employees inadvertently causing such breaches. While it is recommended to rely on corporate security systems for work-related tasks, the security of personal devices can be enhanced with effective and reliable solutions,” comments Anna Larkina, web content analysis expert at Kaspersky.
