Cybersecurity Dangers of Remote Working and How to Avoid Them

September 28
19:32 2021

If there’s one tiny silver lining that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought some people is the remote working setup, also known as work-from-home. Since national governments all over the world have been very strict about safety precautions, especially last year, every person’s outdoor exposure has become limited.

That’s why public and private companies needed to adjust their working system. So, most of the office desk jobs complied to the remote working setup- bringing their computer sets and other office equipment at home.

And even though the situation has changed a bit, with some countries becoming lenient to the safety protocols due to the gradual containment of the virus, it seems like companies aren’t ready to let the remote working setup go.

Most managers and supervisors have said that the work-from-home setup helped their subordinates and other employees be more productive and energized, even in the latter working hours. So, even though personal interactions have been limited, the pros of the remote setup outweigh the cons.

One may say that the work-from-home setup is the safest, not just when it comes to containing the COVID-19 virus, but also for one’s personal safety, especially on the internet.

But according to technological studies, remote working setups may have their own cybersecurity dangers and these can have negative impacts and results to the employees.

Here are some of the cybersecurity dangers of the work-from-home setup plus the possible solutions:

  1. Unlocked computer and mobile devices

Since employees are just at home, they may think that not locking or closing their computer and mobile screens when they are in idle mode is safe. Truth be told, it’s more dangerous when this becomes a habit as home networks are more amiable than work networks and setups wherein there are sharp firewalls, much stronger passwords, and forcible antivirus softwares.

Solution: Users should only download or purchase trusted antivirus softwares so as to guarantee that these tools will be reliable in keeping someone safe from the lurkers that are roaming on the web.

  1. Weak email and other online profiles passwords

Even though users are making sure that they are putting their devices on sleep or lock mode when not in use, having weak or predictable passwords in every single account can make one’s online presence vulnerable from online threats like hackers.

With weak passwords, it’s easier for cyberthieves to gain access to one’s valuable information found on the web (e.g., contact details, addresses, credit card information).

Solution: Make sure to curate stronger passwords for each online profile. Strong passwords contain uppercase and lowercase letters, numerical characters, and special characters. It’s also helpful to not use just one password to all of the online profiles. Another pro tip, frequently change passwords to get ahead of online breachers.

  1. Loads of personal related posts on internet

This one seems harmless, but come to think of it; seeing several personal related posts on one’s online profiles means that the website and app cookies had already taken a peek at a user’s online data. And by this, they could now track any online activity made by the user.

On the other perspective, seeing personal related posts may cause distraction off of work, especially when someone needs to get things done. At the end of the day, the internet is an escape from reality; and when a user has taken up so much time on the web just admiring stuff, that person could get into a lot of trouble at work.

Solution: Install and connect to a Virtual Private Network (VPN). By doing so, employees that are remotely working can focus on being productive at work because they would not see any personal related stuff that might distract them from doing what they’re supposed to do. After all, the work-from-home setup should help employees focus more at work because they are in their comfort and safe space, instead of the other way around.

Plus, with a VPN, users would not be able to worry about web and app cookies that are tracking their data and activities as a VPN will help them stay anonymous.

A good VPN app like GoingVPN would be a great help for online users as this VPN provides high-quality and premium services like max-speed technology, unlimited data bandwidth, and tight encryption process for absolutely free. So, anyone can experience what it’s like to be a hundred percent protected online without breaking the bank.

GoingVPN is available on Android and Apple devices.

For more information, one may visit GoingVPN’s website.

Media Contact
Company Name: GoingVPN LLC
Contact Person: Michael Jones
Email: Send Email
Phone: 65 6516 8867
Country: Singapore
Website: goingvpn.com

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