Telecommuting refers to the practice where people work online from home or wherever they prefer. This trend has really exploded over the past few years. Globalization has become the driving force behind this progress, and the recent pandemic just made it even more prominent.
In addition, the advent of facilities like high-speed internet and Cox cable bundles have made this a more accessible option for a larger number of people. Telecommuting doesn’t only save running costs for companies but also opens up more employment opportunities for a wider set of people.
However, even with all the convenience of remote work, there are a lot of risks. Most of these have to do with cybersecurity and other such threats. When you have so much personal and financial information online, then any misstep could lead to disastrous consequences. Therefore, you need to stay as safe online as possible. There are numerous security measures that you should incorporate into your telecommuting routine, such as the following.
Make Sure Your Systems & Hardware are Up to Date
First of all, make sure all your systems and your hardware are up to date. If you have outdated software, it won’t have the necessary security measures in place. Always make sure you have the latest versions possible of various work software, and that you install updates as soon as you get them.
Most of these updates have to do with newer security threats, so you should not ignore them at any cost. If you do, then your devices may be vulnerable to all the newer security threats out there.
Use Antivirus Software
Antivirus software can help keep viruses and malware at bay. These programs keep running in the background, and let you protect your computer from all sorts of threats. Make sure you find an option that is legitimate and covers a large variety of issues.
Also, ensure you go for a licensed and legitimate version of your antivirus software. This will help keep your devices and network safe, instead of putting them at risk.
Keep Your Screen Private
If you work in a public setting like a café or workshare space, then you should keep your screen as private as possible. Always lock your screen when you vacate your station and make sure it is password-protected. In addition, when you’re entering or accessing information, make sure no one is peering over your shoulder or has the ability to see your screen from behind.
In addition, be careful when typing passwords and other such information. Do not use shared keyboards, and try not to leave your system out of sight. Keyloggers can get into your systems if they get your passwords this way and compromise your information.
Watch Out for Phishing Scams
Always be on the lookout for phishing scams. These aim to get you to share private information and then misuse it for their own purposes. So, if you receive an email, ad, or phone call which seems suspicious, do not engage with it. Always be on the alert and verify the sources of any such messages you get.
Common signs of a phishing scam are wrong spellings and grammar, shortened links, a sense of urgency, and appeals for personal and financial information. These scams have moved well beyond Nigerian Prince territory, so you need to be quite wary and not fall for them.
Be Conscious of Your Surroundings
Always be aware of your surroundings when working remotely. If you feel that something is disturbing your concentration and focus, then try to remove the disturbance or yourself from the situation. If you’re not attentive, then you can be more prone to cybersecurity breaches.
If you’re conscious of your surroundings, then you can be more careful of phishing and privacy threats. Therefore, you should take breaks when needed, be aware of what’s going on around you, and stay as safe as you possibly can. This may seem like a minor aspect but can actually save you from major issues.
Use a VPN
If you use a VPN, then you can mask your online presence from nefarious parties. This not only hides your IP address but also prevents people from tracking your internet behavior. There are numerous VPN software options out there that let you do this quite easily.
You just have to choose the best one for your requirements, and you’re good to go. Make sure it is legitimate, and go for a paid version if you have to.
In conclusion, there are many steps you should take when telecommuting. These will help you stay safe and secure online, and prevent any breaches.
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