If you have an office job, chances are you’ve been working from home since March 2020. This unique transition has changed the way you use your home and turned your pets and kids into unwary coworkers. Adapting to a new environment and way of working has also brought about new security protocols. Be sure to follow these 10 cybersecurity tips as a remote employee.

Separate personal devices from work devices: If possible, employers should supply laptops equipped with top-notch security and monitoring capabilities to their remote workers. This decreases the risk of malware and helps keep work-related information secure.
Lock your device when you step away: Unless you live alone, always lock your computer when you get up from your desk. In most cases, you can do this using a quick keyboard shortcut.
Secure your router: Prevent hackers from accessing your router by changing the password immediately following installation. Also, keep pace with firmware updates that patch security vulnerabilities.
Set up two-factor authentication: Sometimes, having strong passwords isn’t enough. Requiring a two-step verification process to log in helps keep sensitive accounts secure.
Avoid public Wi-Fi networks and use a VPN: Work-from-home jobs often include a lot of web browsing. Steer clear of unsecured Wi-Fi connections and use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt internet traffic and improve online privacy.
Be wary of phishing tactics and phony emails: Refrain from opening emails or clicking on links from unknown senders. Exercise extreme caution if an email claims to be from a financial institution and requests your credentials or other sensitive information.
Back up important files regularly: Ransomware can lock you out of your own files. Without a backup, all is lost. Setting up automatic cloud backup is a convenient way to create two secure copies of your most critical files.
Set up a firewall: Firewalls act as barriers between your work-from-home devices and the internet, lowering the risk of malicious programs snagging your data. Computers and routers typically have built-in firewalls—you simply need to enable them.
Install antivirus software: Although firewalls help, antivirus software acts as the next line of defense if any threats manage to squeeze through. Employers should install robust antivirus programs on their employees’ work devices.
Encrypt sensitive information: When sending sensitive files to your fellow remote workers, use encryption tools to secure the communication. You may be able to encrypt the files themselves or use an encrypted messaging service.

As a failsafe against employee error and malicious cyberattacks, all companies with remote workers should partner with a cybersecurity specialist like Red Panda Systems. We provide advanced firewall protection, cybersecurity audits and assessments, monitoring services, and much more. Our detail-oriented approach protects employers, workers, and customers from a potential data breach. Rely on us to help keep your remote devices and sensitive information secure from prying eyes! To request a consultation and quote for cybersecurity services in Las Vegas, please contact us today.