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Data protection, whether personal or professional, is nowadays a real challenge. In an activity report dating from 2021, the French cybersecurity organization notes an increase of more than 65% in online support requests. In a context of digital globalization, war and data theft are becoming common practices in order to paralyze a company's economic activity.
Teleworking, which has been popularized in recent years, is not without risks for the protection of sensitive company data. Indeed, it requires an Internet connection that is not always secure and leaves employees far from the company's digital security services.
What are the threats of cyberattacks that weigh on teleworking and how can you protect yourself from these risks?
1. Protect your network access
- Password 🔒
The first thing to do is to set up a new password for your home wifi. Choose a complex and anonymous password; it is better if the password does not refer to your identity or that of someone close to you.
- Using VPN 📡
Setting up a VPN on your work computer is a good thing to do in order to limit the risk of intrusion. The VPN alerts against the risks of phishing (phishing of personal data), fraudulent sites... In addition, it encrypts browsing data and masks the user's IP address, making everything unreadable.
- Use a private network connection 🌐
Whenever possible, choose a connection to a private network. Hackers are keen on public networks that are generally less secure. When you work from a café, a hotel or a library, it is better to share a connection with your mobile phone than to connect to the local wifi. A 4G key or card can also be a good alternative.
However, if you are forced to connect from a public network, it is necessary to adopt the right reflexes. First of all, if you want to make a purchase, check that the URL includes “https”. Never open emails that you think are dubious. Do not enter your sensitive data on a web page. Always create a new login password that you've never used before. Finally, avoid updating your applications and software as much as possible.
2. Pay attention to updates
- On your computer 💻
Update your computer to the latest operating software. Indeed, Windows and macOS developers generally offer updates in order to correct security flaws. Malicious software and viruses usually take advantage of aging operating systems that are more vulnerable. These updates can be automatically scheduled on your computer, if not, be sure to download them.
- Your applications and software 💾
As with your computer, update your applications and software as soon as possible. To do this, prefer a connection to a private network.
- Your antivirus ♨️
Consider getting an effective antivirus program, if it is not already done by your company and update it regularly. There are free and paid ones. While there is no significant difference in the levels of protection between these two solutions, paid antiviruses may offer additional features such as WiFi security alerts, hard drive cleaning, malware removal, and phishing protection. Among paid antiviruses, Norton, Kaspersky, and Bitdefender are the best known.
Remain vigilant by adopting best practices
- Lock computer after use ⏸️
Remember to reach and lock your computer when you leave home or when you leave it under surveillance in order to protect access to your data.
- Use a screen cover 🕶️
When working away from home, in a media library, or in public transport, use a screen protector so that people next to you can't read sensitive data. Be even more careful if you handle sensitive data. Visual piracy and information theft are much more common than we think.
- Back up your data frequently 🗃️
Save your personal data as much as possible. Schedule backups of your data on a weekly basis or even better daily. Carry out your backups both via a cloud and an external hard drive in order to keep your data even in the event of a cyber attack or if your device were damaged.
- Separate your personal data from company data 📂
Do not mix your personal data with your professional data, especially via your social networks, Facebook, Instagram or even Twitter. Hacking attempts are generally even more numerous on these platforms and undermine the security of your work data.
- Increased vigilance on your mailbox 🔍
Your email box is a real prey to phishing attempts. Be wary of suspicious emails that you may receive, and do not click on redirected links under any circumstances. In order to recognize fraudulent emails, pay attention to the spelling and the email address of the recipient. If you are not sure if the email is true, do not open it.
In some companies, fake phishing emails are sent by technical services in order to train employees to identify suspicious emails.
- Download only apps and software from a reliable source ✅
On the Internet, many malicious programs disguise themselves as “safe” and well-known software. It is therefore essential to check the source from which you download your software. Always go to the software's official website and never download a fake free version from a third party site.
- Vary your passwords 🔑
Renew your passwords often, whether they are those for your mailboxes or for your computer. Ideally, use a password manager.
m-work and remote work
m-work is a remote work management tool. The application facilitates the organization of teams between office and remote work while guaranteeing confidentiality and security.
Are you interested in the subject? Do not hesitate to contact us!
