Remote workers, as well, should be concerned with applying for information security protection. More so, today, many resort to this kind of arrangement on an alternate basis. This is an advantage. While for security concerns, it also poses more risks for data theft.
So what information security protection goals can remote workers set while working at home? Here are some of the best and most effective goals that you can start with.
Information Security Protection Goals (for Remote Workers)
1. Have a strong firewall
You can establish a strong firewall to protect your office network from outside attacks. You can have a separate device for this purpose, but the best way is to have a separate network for your home office.
Use a firewall that will allow you to control which computers are connected to the network. And also control the ports that they can use. If you are allowing access to an external network, make sure that there is no access permitted. For instance, through your firewall other than the ports that you specify.
You can monitor your firewall by regularly checking your log files. This is to make sure that there are no unexpected connections. This also allows you to see if anyone has tried to bypass your firewall. If they did, then you will be able to trace them through the log files. This will allow you to take action before they can do any damage.
2. Manage Passwords Properly
Use strong passwords for all of your accounts and never share them with anyone. Do not write down passwords anywhere either. If you need to keep them written down, use password management software or program so that you will be able to manage your passwords effectively and securely.
Also, do not use the same password for all of your accounts either as you will be compromising security if someone happens to crack one of your passwords. And, do not write down any information about account numbers, user names, or passwords on any piece of paper or in any digital form as this is just as bad as writing them down on paper.
IT security experts suggest using hard passwords with 15-20 characters utilizing upper case letters, lower case letters, special characters, and numbers in it. Make sure that all of your passwords are different from each other too as this will make it much more difficult for someone trying to crack them by using one password cracking program on all of your accounts at once.
Besides, never store passwords online either as this makes them much more susceptible to being stolen by hackers. Perhaps if their servers are ever compromised because it is much easier for hackers or cybercriminals who are looking for valuable information like yours. You should also change all of your passwords regularly so that if someone does manage to steal them somehow, then they will only have access for a short amount of time.
3. Always Update your Antivirus Software
You should always have updated antivirus software running on your computer when you are working at home. This is especially important if you are connecting to the internet through a dial-up modem because it is much easier for hackers to attack this type of connection.
You can also use a personal firewall to protect your computer from outside attacks, but it is much better to have the firewall built into your operating system. So before doing any work on your computer, you should always have the most updated antivirus software.
