Tips for Cybersecurity in a Remote Environment

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Tips for Cybersecurity in a Remote Environment

Technology has become just as much a part of daily life as anything else, especially with a remote workforce. Nowadays everyone has a computer or a cell phone filled with personal information, most of which are susceptible to hackers. We have cameras that watch our children, devices that monitor infants’ heart rates, watches that track health information, “dots” that check the weather, our schedules, phone calls etc. and now that the majority of the world is working from home, cybersecurity is more important. Since the pandemic began at the start of 2020, more and more businesses have switched to a remote schedule in order to adapt to the changes resulting from COVID-19, which also means that the security of our digital information is perhaps more important than ever. Below are some tips for keeping your data safe in a remote environment.

Safety Practices

First, and arguably the easiest thing to do, is to keep your software up to date. A good suggestion for those who typically forget to check for updates would be to turn on Automatic Updates. This goes hand in hand with using secure browsers such as Firefox, or Chrome, which frequently receive security updates.

Another safety tip is to change passwords periodically. Utilizing password managers in order to create strong passwords is one way to safeguard against passwords that may be easy to guess. It’s easy to fall into the habit of using the same, or similar passwords for everything, but one password means one key to all of your personal information and accounts.

Beware of suspicious emails and links prompting you to visit webpages that may contain viruses or enable hackers to access your accounts.

Data Protection

Unfortunately, passwords and safe browsers only go so far. Data protection is key to cybersecurity, and can be achieved in several ways. First, keeping security information such as SS numbers, bank account information, or health information off of computers and devices ensures protection and privacy. Many of today’s applications require some level of personal information in order to use the app, in this case safely remove personal data immediately when it is no longer needed, or employ data encryption when handling sensitive information.

Many computers and phones become susceptible to viruses over time if not properly updated and protected. One way to combat losing information to viruses is by installing antivirus or anti-malware protection from a trusted source, and keeping the programs up-to-date to ensure they remain effective.

Another data protection tip is to keep your information backed up in case of a security breach that may result in a data erasure and reinstallation of software.

Another responsibility of working from home is finding a place to recycle used, old IT hardware once it has reached the end of its useful life. HOBI International Inc. helps mitigate the challenges of continuing with technology updates and equipment refresh initiatives during this time by offering strategies to navigate these hurdles with a no-contact box program for companies with a remote workforce. These services include safe strategies for safe and quick collection, evaluation, and redeployment of equipment on behalf of our clients.

To learn more about our ITAD services, or the Remote Box Program, call 877-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.

About the author

Katelyn Harrison

Marketing Specialist at HOBI International, Inc.