The COVID-19 pandemic has caused almost two-thirds of companies to move half or more of their employees to remote work – according to a study conducted by Fortinet. This is not just a temporary change. Almost one-third of all businesses expect that at least half of their employees will continue to work from home after the pandemic ends.

Over the past few months, IT teams have tried to eliminate potential sources of attacks that could affect the remote working environment, and 92% expect increased investment in appropriate security solutions. However, it should be remembered that it is the human being and the decisions and actions they take that are crucial to the effectiveness of any security strategy. Fortinet specialists have prepared seven tips for remote workers to help ensure the security of their private and company data.

1. Learn to recognize popular attack methods

Many enterprises conduct training to help employees recognize suspicious emails, websites, text messages, etc. Their management should familiarize themselves with the free online offerings of training and guides that provide knowledge about cybersecurity. It is also worth ensuring the knowledge of other household members who share the network.

2. Strengthen your passwords.

Attack methods, passwords, and authentication

Another simple measure to implement is increasing password security, as well as using different passwords for different accounts. To manage them, you can use one of the available managers, which make it easy to store them and help create appropriately strong passwords. In this situation, the user only needs to remember the login details for that one main application.

3. Use multi-factor authentication

This mechanism combines something the user knows (e.g., a password) with something they possess, such as a fingerprint or a security token. This solution should be used especially when accessing financial information or logging into the corporate network.

4. Update the software of home devices

Update software and secure the network

How to ensure data security in a remote working environment?

How to ensure data security in remote work?

Popular devices connected to the home network can become a gateway for cybercriminals, because they are often not properly updated. Make sure that all devices such as network routers, laptops, computers, smartphones, and other mobile devices and those in the ADG/IoT category use up-to-date software. Even gaming and entertainment systems allow users to check whether they are using the latest version.

5. Secure home networks

Switching to remote work is a good moment to update the applications that secure the home network and the devices connected to it. In addition, many home routers now include default security features that should be enabled. Some telecommunications and internet providers also provide free protection tools. Additionally, when working remotely, you need to make sure that logging into the home Wi-Fi network requires a password. It is also worth using email security features that will help detect and filter malicious attachments and links.

6. Improve device security

Protect devices and speed up the internet

New advanced endpoint security solutions (Endpoint Detection and Response, EDR) not only detect threats more effectively, but also prevent malware infections. EDR solutions should be used not only on the company devices of remote workers, but also on home laptops and mobile equipment.

7. Speed up your internet connection

The home internet connection should allow for smooth operation of the most important business applications, even when other household members use streaming services or play online games. Companies should consider providing financial resources to those employees who need to increase the bandwidth of their home internet connection.

Summary

The article presents seven practical Fortinet tips for remote workers that help protect company and private data. Experts emphasize that the key element of security is the human being – their awareness of threats, password hygiene, and care for hardware updates.

It is worth remembering that almost one-third of enterprises plan to maintain remote work after the pandemic, and 92% of companies expect to increase investment in security. This shows that appropriate digital habits will gain importance in everyday work.