Remote employment, freelancing, and hybrid workforce models provide many attractive benefits. However, if you want to enjoy these advantages without stumbling into any of the pitfalls, it takes careful planning and strategising.
Cybersecurity is one of the most critical areas of focus when developing your plan of attack. So, in the sections below, we’ll take you through seven of the most helpful steps to take when working remotely. Put these tips into action, and you’ll have a far more secure experience, regardless of where in the world you work.
Essential Security Tips for Remote & Hybrid Workers
Understand your unique risks
Every remote and hybrid worker has their own risk profile. Freelancers with multiple clients will have different risk exposure than those working for a single employer. And if you log into a company system, you’ll have different risks from someone who uses Google Workspace to complete all their daily tasks. Similarly, those who work exclusively from home will have a unique risk profile compared to those who work from various locations using different devices.
Your first crucial cybersecurity step is to understand all the risks associated with your work and how you do it. From here, you can construct (or work with your company’s IT department to develop) a robust cybersecurity plan.
Accept the inconvenience of stronger security
Many remote and hybrid workers quietly avoid activating multi-factor authentication and other security measures due to the perceived inconvenience. This hesitation is understandable, as it certainly can be annoying to have to dig out your phone or hunt for security codes every time you log into an account. If you work with multiple accounts in a typical workday, the annoyance can mount up quickly.
In the grand scheme of things, however, a minute or two of inconvenience is well worth the effort if it protects you or your company from a ransomware attack. So, accept the inconvenience of more robust security measures, and assimilate them into your life. It won’t take long before you barely even notice the extra steps.
Communicate any concerns or problems
Whether you’re working remotely as a freelancer or paid employee, this step is crucial. And in fact, it involves two steps. The first is to communicate with your clients or employer about any security concerns you may have. Perhaps a client is allowing multiple freelancers to use the same login credentials. Maybe your employer is operating with legacy software that you know comes with cybersecurity risks. Whatever the case, if you think there’s a problematic security gap, it’s crucial to communicate your concerns before something goes wrong.
The second step is to be upfront if you make a mistake or experience a problem. Many people (understandably) panic if they realise they’ve clicked a malicious link or downloaded a suspicious program. So, they hold off on letting anyone know about it for fear of the repercussions. As understandable as this is, it will only make things worse. Early detection is crucial in minimising the impact of a cyberattack, so you must be prepared to shoulder the responsibility and do the right thing.
If in doubt, ask
Building from the previous point, your communication strategy must involve a willingness to ask questions. This step is important for in-office workers but even more imperative for remote and hybrid workers.
If you receive an email from your company’s IT department, but something about it sets off alarm bells, call your manager to confirm the message’s legitimacy. The same goes for freelancers. If you receive a communication from a client that comes from a new email address or otherwise seems unusual, don’t be afraid to call them to confirm it genuinely came from them. It may take a bit of extra time, but they’re sure to appreciate how much you value their security and yours.
Be mindful of where you work
Many remote workers enjoy regular scenery changes, shifting from their home office to the local library, a favourite café, or shared office space. As healthy as this can be, it’s crucial to remember that some of your work may not be suitable for a shared environment.
Public spaces are often targeted by bad actors who set up a variety of public wifi attacks. So, avoid working on anything involving sensitive data in a shared environment. That includes seemingly benign activities like checking your email.
IT security training should never be a one-off exercise
One thing we can say with certainty about cybercriminals is that they’re highly motivated and capable of rapid adaptation. As soon as an attack vector is rendered impossible by high-level IT support, they pivot to new ideas. Given this inescapable truth of the digital world, it’s crucial for remote and hybrid workers to engage in regular IT security training.
Annual or biannual training sessions will ensure you’re up-to-date on all the latest attack vectors and strategies in play. Fail to bother with regular cybersecurity training, however, and your thinking may be stuck back in the day when phishing attacks mostly came via poorly written emails. That would leave you vulnerable to the plethora of other phishing attack variants, including those delivered via websites, search engine results, SMS, and social media. You’d also be at risk of falling for fake third-party cloud apps and a host of other emerging attack vectors. So, give regular training sessions the place in your schedule they deserve.
Your health and comfort matter more than you think
Whether working from cafés with uncomfortable seats or a home office lacking ergonomic furniture, many remote workers fail to prioritise their comfort. This may seem like more of a health issue than a cybersecurity risk, but the truth is that your mental and physical health are crucial protective factors in IT security. They won’t wipe viruses from your computer but can protect you from social engineering attacks.
Tired, burned-out workers with aching bodies are not in a strong position to spot a phishing email or recognise that an SMS from their IT department doesn’t quite look like the type they’d usually receive. So, it’s crucial to create an office environment that’s comfortable and functional. The ideal set-up will be different for each person. However, some general things to cover include the following:
- Perfecting the ergonomics of your office;
- Getting as much natural light as possible;
- Ensuring the air temperature is comfortable and that you have fresh air flow;
- Keeping your space clean and organised;
- Addressing noise pollution or distracting sounds;
- Creating a schedule that ensures you get sufficient breaks;
- Regularly taking time away from your computer screen to refresh your eyes and reset your focus.
As you can see, cybersecurity is about more than just the technology you put in place. Modern cyberattacks often leverage human error. So it’s crucial to back up your IT security with regular training and measures to ensure you remain physically and mentally well. Thankfully, Managed Service Providers like Invotec can ensure you’re safe and protected, even if you aren’t feeling your best. Invotec offers 24/7 monitoring, uninterrupted security, and tailored IT support packages for remote and hybrid workplaces. Contact Invotec today, and we’ll connect you to an IT consultant specialising in your industry.
