The global pandemic has taken a toll on most of us. While working from home was once considered a luxury, well, most of us are used to this luxury now, aren’t we?
Covid-19 came into our lives and took us on a rollercoaster journey. We started working in ways we didn’t consider possible. Much new software came up in these dire times, which were previously used only to connect to an international audience, be it Skype or Google Meet.
Every part of our lives went remote. From hiring employees, making them comprehend different tasks, to testing their efficiency at home, work from home became possible.
But this remote life also built new threats and new ways for cyber attackers to attack us. It also increased the number of cyber threats in the world. With employees working from home and connecting to the corporate platforms using their own devices, the chances of a cyberattack are high.
One effective way to prevent yourself from these threats is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). We recommend Surfshark for this. Learn more about it through our comprehensive review of Surfshark VPN.
Since the pandemic, IT workers had been seriously concerned about cybersecurity and cyberthreats. According to the Covid-19 Cybersecurity statistics by the Performance Improvement Partners, around 46% of the world’s businesses have faced at least one cybersecurity threat during the pandemic.
For this reason, we have some ways for you to improve your cybersecurity at home.
Tips to improve your cybersecurity while working from home:
1. Password-protect all accounts and devices:
The first step you need to take towards preventing your data is to create strong passwords for all your devices and accounts. Create as solid and complex passwords as you can. Encrypt even your Wi-Fi network.
Easy passwords are easier to break into, and this can be the breaking point for you. A hacker will be able to access your accounts and retrieve all your personal and company data without any hindrances.
Try to keep passwords that include both upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Do not save passwords based on your name or your birthdate.
If you believe remembering your passwords would become a difficult task for you, then use an effective password manager to house all your passwords with your IDs.
The most popular password managers are:
- LastPass
- Dashlane
- 1Password
2. Use an effective VPN service:
Another effective way to improve your cybersecurity and to prevent yourself from cyber threats is using a VPN. A VPN encrypts the connection between you and your employer to prevent anyone from intercepting it.
A VPN service acts as a tunnel and protects all your online activity so that no one can snoop into it. This immediately prevents your data from any breaches and keeps you anonymous over the internet.
Use a VPN while working from home. Do not disconnect it at any time while working for complete and unhindered protection. As mentioned above, Surfshark is a reliable VPN for privacy and security.
3. Avoid phishing emails:
One may pretend it can detect all phishing emails, but believe me, these people are the first to open them.
Phishing emails are created in a way that they generate and build curiosity among people. This makes them click any of the links provided in the email and unleash the malware onto their device.
The email may look like it’s from your coworker or directly from the company too. Verify the email first, and then click on any links within the email.
4. Install an antivirus:
An effective service to use to avoid cyberattacks like various types of malware and viruses is an antivirus. An antivirus/anti-malware prevents malware from entering your device, detects them, and removes different malware like viruses, trojans, and worms immediately from it.
With the advancement of technology and evolving and strengthening viruses, installing antivirus software should be a crucial step towards improving your cybersecurity. I mean, downloading an antivirus is a baby step towards data protection. One must take this step at all costs to prevent the data breach scenario.
5. Use two-factor authentication:
Another security hack related to passwords is two-factor authentications (2FA). If you want to increase the security around your passwords and are worried that a hacker can easily trespass into your account, set up two-factor authentication.
This will increase a step whenever you forget your password by asking for verification. This verification process will send a code on your phone number or email to verify that you’re accessing the account yourself.
Conclusion:
To work from home, you need to improve your cybersecurity at all costs. With an insane increase in cyber attacks throughout the world, the only way to remain safe is to take appropriate measures to prevent your personal and company’s data from any attacks. For complete protection, use a VPN.
