Protect all of the private and business information that will be transmitted through your home network.
While many companies reopen their workplaces to employees, surveys show that remote work will likely be here to stay, at least part-time. Working from home imposes obligations on workers, who are responsible for the security of information flowing through their house networks.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost 1 in 4 people employed in February of 2021 worked at home due to the pandemic of coronavirus. High-speed internet access, collaborative software and video conferencing make it easier to keep work groups productive even from distant locations.
This change is a boon for criminals. According to the FBI’s 2020 Web Crime Report (PDF), criminals target businesses and individuals with a variety of scams. Remote workers should protect not only their personal information, financial transactions, and social media, but also the business data of their employers.
These six tips will assist you to secure your home neighborhood if you ever find yourself on this page:
- Encryption Most routers are set to disable encryption by default. Confirm your router’s settings by contacting the company that made it. This information is likely to be available on their website. WPA2 is the most secure wi-fi option, but it requires a long password.
- Change SSID title SSID is the name of your wireless connection. It’s what appears when you click on the “Available Wi-Fi Connections” list in your computer or laptop screen. Give your network a unique title that you can’t identify. Some devices generate unique names by default. However, don’t use the name of your last name, street address or any other title that could reveal its id.
- Change password — Your router’s default password is provided by the manufacturer. Change your router’s password as soon as possible and make sure it is strong.
- You must choose a long enough password. It is not necessary to re-enter your password when adding it. So make it as long and complex as you can.
- Use a combination of symbols, numbers, capitals and lowercase letters. This will make the password harder to crack.
- Susie1 is an example of a password that’s weak.
- A powerful and easy to read password: OurGreAtHom3Network
- Instance of a powerful, hex-based password: Ac67a61Cd61bB3712A73feCCd13A0
- Use security software – Test whether the router is compatible with a mobile app (e.g. voice-activated Alexa or Siri, Google Assistant etc.). If so, the router could have an unlocked port for web administration. In that case, make sure the vendor bundles security software with the hardware. Some of the newer devices from security firms may include built-in software that is available either permanently or as a subscription.
- Consider using a VPN– A Virtual Private Network is a secure way to transfer sensitive materials like financial information, proprietary documents or medical data. If your employer provides a business VPN, this may not be compatible with a home VPN. Consult your company’s information technology specialists to ensure compatibility.
- Protect your Laptop –The FBI’s Easy Steps for Web Safety recommend that you keep your firewall on, update your antispyware and antivirus software and ensure that your operating system is present.
