Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and Canadians being instructed to stay home, many businesses have begun to operate entirely online. This means that many employees are fortunately still able to work out of the comfort of their own homes despite the coronavirus disruption. Unfortunately, cyber hackers and criminals have devised ways to adapt and even thrive during the pandemic, acting as authoritative health organizations and other reputable companies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) to scam online users.
That’s why it is crucial for those working at home to take precautionary measures and ensure the safety and privacy of themselves along with the business they work for or with. Read on to learn more about how to ensure your cybersecurity and safety while working from home.
1. Ensure Devices Have An Antivirus Solution
Most businesses undergo various measures to ensure the protection of all computers and desktops from malware and cyber-attacks. These solutions are highly powerful and often prohibit employees from accessing and downloading certain applications that can threaten the business and restrict online access to certain unauthorized devices and so forth. At home, however, it can be increasingly difficult for employees to keep their devices protected as they likely do not have access to certain programs and solutions. However, as employees have access to important documents, it is crucial for them to prevent anything from happening to them. To do so, ensure you install a reliable, safe security solution program to handle all business data along with an antivirus.
2. Strengthen Passwords
Wherever possible on your computer, ensure you have enabled strong passwords. Multi-factor authentication is crucial to provide an additional layer of security and protection to these important business applications you are using. Ensure all of your passwords are long and difficult to access or guess. Long and more complex passwords require much more time and effort to hack into and will often deter cyber hackers. Do not include any personal information or any information regarding the business within your passwords.
3. Use A VPN
A VPN (virtual private network) solution can protect you along with the business. The VPN creates an encrypted, private network connection that is much safer for employees to do their work on via the internet. If you are sharing a WI-FI network or using one that you do not own, it’s in your best interest to use a VPN to prevent others that are connected to that network from accessing your information.
Micro Computer Consulting offers professionally managed IT support services, cloud services, cybersecurity, and PBX services. Our experts will save you time and money with outsourced IT support services to ensure the safety, privacy, and security of your business. For computer issues, we offer a 1-hour response time to help restore and solve any issues and get you back to business. Get started with us today for IT support services in the GTA at https://mccinc.ca/it-support/.
