Blog submitted by RMM Solutions

The dust is starting to settle on our new work from home situation. We rushed to set-up our home office focused on maintaining productivity, but now are starting to see security gaps in our plans.  Hackers are beginning to take advantage of these openings with creative scams. Don’t fall victim to these attacks. Here is a summary of the top things to consider/do, even if you aren’t an IT expert, to remain productive and secure.

1. Make sure your computer is up-to-date on the latest version. Hackers exploit outdated systems. You should be on Windows 10 or macOS Catalina (version 10.15) with all of the available security patches. Don’t forget about updating your mobile devices.
2. Think twice before you click on an email. The number one threat to your security is clicking on malicious email links. The CDC recommends that we all wash our hands for 20 seconds—we should also take 20 seconds when reviewing our email. Here is what to review before you click:

3. Make sure your antivirus and anti-malware tools are updated. These software solutions regularly update when a new virus or malware is identified. Hopefully, your company is using a behavior-based (next-generation) end-point protection solution that helps prevent attacks even if they have not been seen before.
4. Ensure you are using a VPN or a secure remote access tool to access business critical assets. We understand it’s one more step in the process, but it’s a critical element in securing your business assets. Ask your IT team about how to connect if you have questions. Our customers are utilizing two options right now: Using a VPN connection through the company firewall; or a Secure Remote Access solution that provides a secure tunnel between a home PC and a PC in your office or business.
5. Turn off automatic connections on your Wi-Fi settings. You could suddenly connect to your neighbor’s unsecured network (or worse yet, a hacker’s Wi-Fi network) without even knowing.
6. Separate/segregate your network. Just like at the office, you should isolate your traffic, so it doesn’t mingle with your kid’s TickTock videos.
7. Don’t forget to lock your computer when you are not working. Sounds simple until your four-year-old decides to play office.
8. Ask your company IT person about securing yourself and your employees from Internet-based threats using a secure internet gateway solution. This security solution will help protect users regardless of whether they are in the office, at home, or on the road.

Need more details on how to secure your office? Download our Home Office Security Checklist. Now, more than ever, you need technology to be predictable and secure.