Common Security Mistakes Remote Workers Make (That You Can Avoid)

Stepping into the common practice of remote work exposes you to a lot of potential security hazards. It’s crucial to equip yourself with knowledge on how to steer clear of these pitfalls and safeguard your virtual workspace.

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the surge in remote work has paved the way for a staggering 238% increase in cyberattacks, as reported by a study from Alliance Virtual Offices. Notably, the FBI has also raised concern over a remarkable 300% spike in reported cybercrime cases since the pandemic’s onset.

Even in the present scenario where many employees opt for a combination of office work and telecommuting, the security landscape remains precarious. Hybrid work environments tend to breed cybersecurity blunders within the remote workforce, eventually leading to alarming breaches.

It’s disconcerting that employees, despite their best intentions, often make remote work errors that inadvertently endanger organizations. These mistakes encompass installing insecure and outdated software, mishandling sensitive data, and relying on feeble passwords. Additionally, telecommuters become more vulnerable to social engineering attacks or, worse yet, may unknowingly turn into malicious insiders.

These prevalent security loopholes create a productive ground for cyber threats. From phishing and brute-force attacks to malicious software infiltrations, data theft, and even sabotage, the dangers are manifold.

To fortify your organization against the security vulnerabilities associated with remote work, staying informed about common pitfalls to avoid and implementing protective measures is imperative. So, let’s delve right in and equip ourselves with the necessary knowledge to safeguard our virtual workspace.

Clicking on Links From Unknown Sources

Watch out for seemingly harmless ads; they might not be as safe as you initially assumed. Phishing attacks have been surging, and cybercriminals have honed their skills in creating deceptive emails and links that appear genuine. They cleverly disguise these emails to mimic reputable sources, like your bank or a company you frequently deal with.

To stay on the safe side, steer clear of clicking on links that come from unfamiliar sources, and exercise caution even with known sources if something seems suspicious. When in doubt about an email or link’s legitimacy, it’s best to reach out to the company it claims to be from for verification.

Remember, if uncertainty arises, it’s wiser to refrain from clicking, particularly when using your work devices. The same level of vigilance applies when downloading attachments and apps from sources you don’t recognize.

Not Using Multi-Factor Authentication

Protecting your accounts with robust passwords is a valuable habit, but you can enhance your security measures by implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) or three-factor authentication (3FA).

By employing MFA, you add an extra security layer, demanding another form of verification, like a code sent to your phone, alongside your password. This considerably increases the difficulty for cybercriminals attempting to breach your accounts, even if they somehow obtain your password.

Failing to Update Your Software

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Putting off software updates because we’re in the middle of something important and don’t want any interruptions. It’s a common scenario, but procrastinating on these updates can actually put us at risk of security threats. You see, cybercriminals are constantly on the lookout for weaknesses in software that they can exploit. That’s precisely why software companies release updates frequently – to patch up these vulnerabilities.

Now, here’s the thing: one of the most significant security blunders you can make is neglecting those updates, whether they’re for your operating system or other applications. When that notification pops up, urging you to update your software or system, it’s vital to act promptly. If, for some reason, you must delay the update because you can’t pause your ongoing work, consider scheduling a specific time for the update and commit to it. Alternatively, setting a reminder can be immensely helpful to ensure you don’t overlook it. Your security matters, so staying vigilant against potential threats is crucial.

Failing to back up your data

Although we never wish for the worst to happen, sometimes things can take an unexpected turn, and that’s just how life goes. Especially in the realm of remote work, a variety of unforeseen mishaps might occur, ranging from a mischievous cat tipping over your laptop to the dreaded ransomware attack.

That’s precisely why it’s crucial to be prepared for such unforeseen circumstances by taking the necessary steps to back up your precious data. You’ve got two primary routes to achieve this. One option is to utilize an external hard drive, ensuring that you diligently store it in a secure location.

Alternatively, you might find backing up your data to the cloud a more convenient and accessible approach. The beauty of this method lies in the fact that you can access your data from virtually anywhere. Just remember to select a reputable and reliable cloud backup service to entrust your valuable information to their digital custody.

Using unsecured Public Wi-Fi

Remote work brings with it the enticing perk of flexibility – the ability to set up your workspace practically anywhere with a reliable internet connection.

However, this freedom of choice also entails certain risks when working from public Wi-Fi hotspots. These networks often lack the protective shield of security, as they remain open to anyone seeking access, leaving you exposed and vulnerable to potential cyber threats.

Thankfully, there are ways to safeguard your online activities while working from such public spaces. One effective measure is to employ a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which serves as a protective cloak, encrypting your connection and fortifying your data against prying eyes.

Another option for establishing a safer Wi-Fi network involves utilizing your smartphone’s Hotspot feature. By doing so, you create a personal and secure Wi-Fi zone, reducing the likelihood of cyberattacks and providing you with a sense of reassurance as you carry out your remote tasks.

Using a Single Password Across Multiple Accounts

Using one password for all your accounts may be convenient, but employing the same password across multiple accounts poses a serious security risk – definitely not a good idea. Don’t even consider following the same pattern and merely tweaking a few characters here and there.

If cybercriminals manage to breach one of your accounts, using the same password makes it a cakewalk for them to gain access to your other accounts. We understand that keeping track of numerous passwords can be overwhelming, and memorizing them all is just not feasible. That’s where password managers come into play.

By the way, it’s wise to generate strong passwords and change them more frequently than you might initially think – at least once every three months should do the trick.