- Store equipment securely when not in use, such as locking it up in a filing cabinet or laptop lock and keeping it out of sight when leaving the house.
- Make sure your network is secure by installing the latest firmware updates.
- Stay up to date on security patches and software updates.
- Invest in a secure door lock for your designated office room.
- Get antivirus protection installed on all of your devices.
Remote work is now a reality for many people. Thanks to technological advancements, some people are able to work from the comfort of their own homes. This means that employers need to find ways to keep their office equipment secure, even when it’s located in a residential environment. With that in mind, here are some tips for keeping your work equipment safe when you’re not in the office.
Keep Your Equipment Securely Stored When Not In Use
When you’re not using your work equipment, store it securely. This could mean locking it up in a filing cabinet or other storage unit, or even using a laptop lock to keep it attached to a heavy piece of furniture when not in use. If you’re leaving the house with your laptop or other devices, make sure it is stored securely in a protective case and out of sight.
If you have a designated office room at home, investing in a smart door lock would be a great move. This will give you the peace of mind that your equipment is secure when you’re not in the office, especially if you have kids running around the house.
Make Sure Your Network Is Secure
Having an unsecured network can be a security risk for any remote worker. Ensure your router has installed the latest firmware updates so that only authorized users can access your Wi-Fi network. If possible, enable WPA2 encryption on your router’s settings page and use strong passwords for all your accounts and devices. You should also consider getting a VPN (Virtual Private Network), as this will help add an extra layer of protection against hackers trying to gain access to your network.
Moreover, ensure that all your devices are password protected and have the latest anti-virus software installed. This will not only keep you safe but also stop any possible viruses from spreading to other people’s systems.
Stay Up To Date On Security Patches And Software Updates
Keeping up with security patches and software updates is essential for anyone working remotely. Software vendors regularly release patches and updates that fix bugs and vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit to gain access to your system and data. Ensure you always install these updates as soon as they become available—and don’t forget about antivirus software! Antivirus protection on all your devices will help protect them from malicious attacks such as viruses and malware.
Back-Up Your Data Regularly
Data loss can be very disruptive, especially if it involves sensitive work documents or private information. To ensure that you don’t lose any data to unforeseen events, back up your data regularly. Plenty of cloud-based storage services are available to back up all your files and documents securely, such as:
Google Drive
Google Drive is a free service offered by Google for storing and managing files online. It offers up to 15GB of free storage space, which is enough for most users’ needs. Additionally, it allows you to collaborate on documents with others and access your files from any device or browser.
Dropbox
Dropbox is another popular cloud-based storage service that offers 2GB of free storage space and allows you to easily store, sync, and share your files with others. It also provides additional features such as version history so you can go back and view older versions of a file if needed, as well as advanced security measures like two-factor authentication for added protection against unauthorized access.
Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud-based storage solution offered by Microsoft that comes with 5GB of free storage space and allows you to store, sync, and share your files across all devices connected to your account. It also provides powerful security features such as encryption for maximum data protection.
Box
Box is another great cloud-based storage solution that offers 10GB of free storage space and allows you to easily store, manage, and share your files with others securely from any device or browser. It also provides additional features such as version control so you can track changes made to a document over time and restore earlier versions if needed.
Working remotely can be liberating but also comes with its own set of risks when it comes to keeping our work equipment secure—especially if we don’t take the necessary precautions. By making sure our networks are secure, staying up to date on security patches & software updates, and storing our work equipment securely when not in use, we can ensure our data stays safe from any potential threats while still being able to enjoy the freedom & flexibility that comes with remote working!
