Figures vary but estimates suggest that between 20% and 50% of people work from home at least some of the time. It’s convenient, can improve productivity, and offers employees improvements to their work-life balance. However, remote work also raises certain challenges. One challenge for remote workers and their employees or clients is ensuring all elements of their work remain secure from hackers, data thieves, and others. Below, we look at some essential security tools that help keep emails, messages, work, and client data safe.
The Importance Of Security For Remote Workers
The past few years have seen many more people working from home, which has been facilitated by improved communication software and greater access to cloud and SaaS programs.
While offices and other workplaces should have robust data protection and cyber security policies in place, this isn’t necessarily true in the home, and it especially isn’t true in coffee shops or other satellite locations. Data theft not only leads to a loss of reputation and trust for the company, as well as potential financial loss, but it can land the individual in a lot of trouble, too.
Antivirus
The best antivirus software provides ongoing protection with everything from anti-spam to password management and live scans. Tech expert Krishi Chowdhary explains that good software can also help prevent unwanted pop-ups and spam, making it a good all-around tool.
Although free software does exist, it doesn’t provide the level of protection of commercial software, and it typically has limited features. Ensure you choose software that is compatible with your device and effective at providing the kind of protection needed, runs without slowing your machine, and has regular security updates.
Password Creation And Security
Poor password creation is a major security vulnerability. Unbelievably, the most commonly used password in the world is still 123456, with other common choices including admin, 12345678, and 123456789.
Whether a cyber thief is using software to crack your password or not, those options will be among the first they try, and it will take seconds to gain access. The most secure passwords are randomly generated, rather than using common words or strings that mean something to you personally, and password creation and security tools can help ensure every password you use is secure. It isn’t just your online banking passwords that need to be secure. Online casinos, shopping accounts, and your webmail accounts should also use secure passwords because access to these can grant access to bank accounts and valuable personal data.
2 Factor Authentication App
More and more websites and other applications use 2-factor authentication or offer it as an additional security layer. With 2-factor authentication, commonly referred to as 2FA, you can install an app on your phone or other device. The app provides a security key that must be entered on the login screen of your site. Alternatively, some sites allow 2FA via cell phone, and the key is messaged to your number.
This extra layer means that any data thieves need physical access to your device as well as remote access to your login. Several companies, including Google, offer 2FA software, which is more secure than using cell phone messages.
VPN
A Virtual Private Network acts as a bridge between your devices and the Internet. Whenever you go online, your data is transmitted to a remote server, operated by the VPN company, hiding data from all external sources even including your ISP.
It obfuscates all data and not only does it protect data but it can help bypass geo-locked barriers and can also prevent connection strangling by ISPs. A VPN offers a secure and content way to protect all client and company data, as well as personal data while on the Internet.
Firewall
A firewall acts as a barrier between the Internet and the devices in a home or other property. It can be installed on a server or on an individual device, and it monitors incoming traffic. Any incoming data requires authorization, and without that authorization, it is unable to get through.
A firewall still allows the user to go about their online business and while it does require that the user authenticate and grant permission to external sources, it also provides a robust security layer. Some antivirus and other security applications include a firewall as part of their protection.
Adware Cleaner
Adware can be really obnoxious, causing popups and spam whenever you’re online. While most adware is an annoyance, some adware software also mines data and can even come packaged with keyloggers and other software to potentially steal data.
Good antivirus software or a firewall can prevent a lot of adware software from being installed, but if your system has become infected, leading to slower operating and more downtime, an adware remover or adware cleaner is needed. An adware cleaner looks for known adware software and can detect suspicious software according to certain attributes, and then help remove it.
Cloud Backups
Backing up data is important because it helps prevent data loss. Backing up data to the cloud means you can also access it from anywhere you have an Internet connection. Using a cloud backup raises certain security concerns of its own.
Use a reputable and reliable storage service, and ensure you have antimalware and other security software installed. If the cloud storage service offers 2-factor authentication protection, use it. Set up the cloud storage so it automatically backs up data at given intervals. Most storage solutions let you choose a specific folder or set of folders to back up, which means you don’t have to back up every file or download on your computer.
Virus-Specific Uninstallers
New malware is launched all the time, and as quickly as antivirus software can update its detection files, a new threat pops up. As such, no matter how effective antivirus software is, there is always a risk that some malicious software will get through your net of protection and infect your computer.
In most cases, an update to the antivirus software will provide an update that removes these threats, but for some specific threats, you will need virus-specific uninstallers. These are generally used for software that obfuscates itself from security software and reinstalls when you perform a standard uninstallation. Check the security credentials of any uninstaller you use, otherwise you could be making the problem worse.
Secure Communication Software
It isn’t just software and files that need protecting. Emails and even messages between remote workers and their businesses or clients need the same level of protection that any files are afforded. As well as using a reliable email service, take advantage of the security features they offer, and make sure any email software and messaging software used is also secure.
Install anti-spam and anti-phishing programs, or make sure that your antivirus or other cyber security software offers these types of protection. For highly secure messaging, consider a specialist secure messaging app. While these aren’t necessary for a lot of communication, they offer more robust scanning and encryption features and can really improve the security of your communication.
Conclusion
Cyber security is a critical component in remote work. It helps prevent the loss or theft of data and protects a business’s reputation. It should offer live protection, as well as the ability to identify and remove any existing threats that might have already been installed. As well as antivirus software, additional security tools can be used to further improve security for emails, messages, data storage, and more.
