Simple Cyber-Hygiene Practices for Teleworking

Simple Cyber-Hygiene Practices for Teleworking

Working from home and video conferencing is now a legitimate way to get work done and attend meetings. Telecommuting has gone from niche perk to a convenient, on-demand and in-demand necessity. In the U.S., 60 percent of companies offer remote work arrangements, and on a global scale, around 20 percent of workers do some or all of their work at home. However, with the freedom to work from wherever and whenever we create more channels for cybersecurity risks.

With the new teleworking norm, cyberattacks have become more frequent, robust, and advanced. So of course, with freedom comes the responsibility. Luckily, we have a simple checklist to assure that we are operating with the appropriate care!

Here’s the basic checklist to keep clean from cyber infection for yourself and your company:

  1. Password Changes: Use complex passwords and change them regularly.
  2. Software Updates: Keep your computer programs up-to-date when prompted.
  3. Hardware Updates: Use devices that are capable of having software updates.
  4. Limit Users: Admin-level access should be given to a select few, and others should be authorized for an limited access level appropriate for their specific role and purpose of their using a system.
  5. Back Up Data: A copy of data can be stored in a hard drive or through cloud.
  6. Employ a Cyber Security Framework: To institute an advanced cyber security system, create a framework. The next section guides you through the steps to make sure you checked off all the boxes that make a well-kept framework.

Cyber Security Framework Checklist:

  1. Build a cyber hygiene culture to encourage cyber security practices as a norm.
  2. Use secure access points & create a work network.
  3. Update devices, applications, and operating systems regularly.
  4. Establish strong access management through requiring strong passwords and instituting a two-factor authentication procedure for all devices and accounts.
  5. Practice safe email use by instituting regular employee training programs to create awareness on the common and latest email scams and attacks.
  6. Install anti-malware.
  7. Have a cyber response plan in place and understand the details.

 

With these cyber sanitation measures, surely you will ensure cleanliness and keep a healthy you and a healthy company!

 

 

 


Credits

https://digitalguardian.com/blog/what-cyber-hygiene-definition-cyber-hygiene-benefits-best-practices-and-more

https://www.csoonline.com/article/3310068/basic-cyber-hygiene-practices-that-go-a-long-way.html

https://www.bloomberg.com/quicktake/telecommuting