Cybersecure Your Home Office

Christian Cooper
Apr 6, 2020
3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Man in a checkered shirt works on a laptop at a desk by a window. Nearby, a typewriter, books, and a globe add a retro touch.

As an employee, you play a role in keeping your company’s information secure. Usually, you finish your work at the office and rely on your company’s cybersecurity policies to protect your data.

This approach worked well until 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic started. The crisis was so serious that even large companies and industries, like airlines, had to close and send employees home.

Now that most work happens online, many companies, including yours, let employees work from home to stay safe. This means you need to bring your work home and find new ways to keep it secure around your family.

COVID-19 affects both people’s health and the safety of employee and company data. With millions working from home, cybersecurity risks have increased and need quick attention.

For many, home is a place to relax, so people often don’t protect their data or network as carefully as they would at work. Most homes have weaker cybersecurity than companies.

Hackers once attacked Orange County IT Services with ransomware, disrupting services in public offices like police stations and libraries. They demanded money to fix the damage. This example shows the risks of working from home on less secure networks.

If hackers access confidential company data while you work at home, they could use it to seriously harm your reputation.

With these changes, you might have to share your workspace with family, friends, or neighbors. So, how can you keep your home office secure?

Tips on How to Cyber Secure Your Home Office

Do not mix personal and business materials or devices while at home

Once your home office is set up, keep only your work devices there. Don’t use personal devices to store or transfer work information. This helps prevent accidental leaks, especially from family members, and helps you stay focused during work hours.

Only take home what is necessary for your work

To avoid major losses, only take home the devices and information you need for work.

Always keep your device’s software updated

When you work from home, your company devices use your home network, which is likely less secure. Your data could be exposed to routers connected to many other devices, like phones or computers that might not be protected. Updating your device’s operating system and security software is a good way to keep them safe from hackers.

Use the latest technology available

Install the latest antivirus, firewalls, and anti-malware to keep your devices safe. If you need help, ask an expert. Trusted IT services in Orange County include Ayvant IT Services and Techifornia.

Seek Reliable IT Service Providers

Look into local service providers to make sure you get the best support. Ayvant is known as one of the top managed service providers in Orange County and can help you secure your home office network. They serve cities like Irvine, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Orange, Tustin, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Diego, and other areas in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside, California.

Be on the alert of any suspicious apps or emails that may pop-up on your device

Since you are now on a public network, you may get random spam emails, apps, or browser notifications on your devices trying to promote something. Be very careful about what you open, as these could be from hackers with bad intentions.

Ensure you know everyone you are talking to during an online meeting

Online meetings will likely be part of your work at home, as they help employers keep track of everyone’s progress. Make sure that anyone joining your online meetings is a known colleague.

Use a VPN to secure communication

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, works like a private tunnel, making sure your information only goes to the right person. This helps keep your data safe from hackers.

Avoid using random devices you find at home such as a USB

An unsafe USB device can bring malware to your work device. Only use devices you know are safe.

Always Backup

It’s important to back up your work in case of a ransomware attack, like the one that affected Orange County.

Always log off once you are done with work

Even during short breaks, follow company rules and log off your device. Make sure it is password-protected to stop unauthorized access.

Lock up

After you set up your home office, keep your devices locked up as you would at work. If your office is in a separate room, lock the door to keep it safe from children.

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