10 tips for working remotely safely

After reading this article, you will be able to better understand:

• Relevant tools to use to protect yourself from malicious connections
• How my work methods can risk desktop security and how to improve them

We have to accept that teleworking will become increasingly common in companies in 2020.

The COVID-19 crisis has increased the number of people working from home. According to CTV News, nearly 5 million Canadians were working from home. This also means that workers increasingly have sensitive data that needs to be protected at home. That's why it's important to know how to protect yourself against these potential attacks.

Any device, whether employer-issued or employee-owned, is susceptible to hacking at some point. Here's a list of our recommendations for safe browsing and secure remote working.

1. The operating system is up to date

Please make sure your operating system is up to date and in good working order. To check, click the Start button -> Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update, then select "Check for updates".

We suggest leaving the "Auto-Update" feature enabled. This will give you peace of mind and keep your work computer up to date. An outdated workstation poses a real risk and puts you at risk of cyber attacks.

2. Use recognized internet browsers

It's important to use a browser that automatically updates. This can help you block malicious websites and prevent malicious code from running. Browsers like Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are recommended.

3. Use cybersecurity software

Using antivirus software is essential today. Many solutions are available on the market. Kaspersky provides comprehensive, unmanaged antivirus and firewall protection for workstations and servers. It offers comprehensive protection with cloud-based management. Symantec offers easy-to-use antivirus software that makes your remote work more secure. The software offers data loss prevention and intelligent protection against the next generation of threats. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information.

4. Enable your firewall

Make sure your firewall is enabled at all times. Also, check your router for a built-in firewall, adding a second layer of protection to your network.

5. Protect your WLAN

WLAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network . It allows mobile users to connect to a local area network (LAN) wirelessly. It is essential that your network is protected by a strong password. Please use WPA2 encryption. It is important that your password is a combination of numbers, letters, capital letters, and symbols to ensure its security.

6. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Using a VPN is a must to access your corporate network. Installing a VPN allows you to create a tunnel between your home office and your corporate network. All data passing through your network is encrypted and therefore protected from external attacks.

7. Avoid inserting personal files into your professional USB drive

When using USB storage devices or external hard drives, you should use these tools exclusively for business purposes if they are provided by your company. Including personal documents with your business documents is risky. Some personal files can become corrupted, creating a window of opportunity for malware.

8. Always check the origin of your emails

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in  malicious emails related to the coronavirus. Many Internet users received emails that looked like legitimate emails, including from the Canada Revenue Agency, the World Health Organization, and Desjardins. However, these emails were fraudulent. It is therefore important to pay attention to the details that prove that these are indeed fraudulent emails. Do not click on links in unknown emails. Additionally, it is important to remember that you should never send your password by email.

9. Limit downloading software online

Recently, there has been an increase in malicious emails related to the Coronavirus. Many Internet users received emails that looked like legitimate emails from, for example, the Canada Revenue Agency, the World Health Organization, or Desjardins. However, these emails were fraudulent. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to details proving that these are dangerous emails. Do not click on links if you do not know where the email came from. Never send your password.

10. Avoid clicking on pop-up notifications from unknown sites

Notifications are designed to trick you into clicking on them. Clicking on a pop-up can open the door to spam, Trojan horses, or even viruses. As a general rule, you should avoid clicking on them.

Nexxo can help protect you against malicious attacks

Are you a business and has this article raised questions about your IT security? Contact us now. The initial consultation is free, and we will be happy to assess how we can help you.