Internet Safety Tips While Working Remotely

Author: Kelley Donald - MarCom/Thursday, May 7, 2020/Categories: Business Internet

Learn to keep work on track while sheltering in place. Lead meetings with confidence. By now, you know the rules to keep you and your family safe from COVID-19: Practice social distancing, stay at home as much as possible, and wash your hands frequently.

But working remotely exposes us to a whole new set of dangers, namely cybersecurity threats to your computer, mobile devices, and even your company’s important intellectual property and financial information. It’s important to follow these Internet safety tips to protect company data when you’re not working through your company’s secure business ISP.

Don’t Download Apps Without Go-Ahead from Your IT Department

It might be tempting to download productivity tools or third-party videoconferencing apps and show the boss this “great new platform” you found. But you could unknowingly be downloading viruses and malware — which you might inadvertently spread to your co-workers. Wait for approval from the IT department before downloading any apps or software and make sure you download them only through the Google Play Store, the App Store, or the platform’s website.

Make Sure You Have a Secure Network

When you’re at the office, your IT team and business ISP take care to ensure that everyone is working on a secure network. If you’re logging in at home, it’s your job to protect the connection. Make sure your home business Wifi service runs through a secure network with password-protection.

Use Your Company VPN, If Provided

A virtual private network, or VPN, allows you to access company resources through your home business Wifi service, keeping corporate files secure yet accessible to remote workers. Ask your IT department if they have a VPN and if so, use it any time you are working from your home business broadband connection.

Trust No One While Working Remotely

This might seem like an extreme policy, but social engineering scams are on the rise in the era of social distancing. If you get a call or email from your company IT department, verify it independently. Send a note to your IT team or call them at the number you would normally use to reach them. Hackers are calling remote workers, pretending to be members of your IT staff, and gaining access to critical company information. You can avoid this scam with a simple phone call or note to your supervisor or IT person.

Be Vigilant in Following Everyday Internet Safety Tips

Of course, the same rules of internet safety apply now as they have before. Always make sure your home business Wifi service is secure, set strong passwords, and ensure your antivirus software is up to date. It’s important to be vigilant about internet safety right now when you’re responsible not just for your own data, but important company files as well.

How secure is your business ISP? CCI offers many business services to protect you from cybercrimes and hackers whether you’re in the office or working remotely. Trust our team to keep you safe and productive.

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