By Lindsay Bononno

How to stay safe: Cyber security while working remotely

Apparently there has been too much downtime, and people have devised new ways to try and steal information in the cyber world. Working from home means we are accessing secure data using laptops, tablets and phones, more than ever. Here are a few simple ways to stay safe:

1. Make sure your devices are up to date with latest updates and security patches. Focus on your operating systems, antiviral and antimalware software and router as these are your first defense against external threats.

2. NEVER click a link in an email unless you KNOW the sender was going to send it. Be on the lookout for odd email addresses, typos, unlikely subject lines and never provide personal information.

3. Enable multifactor authentication when available. Passwords have been being broken as long as passwords have existed, so this is simply smart practice. 

4. If an email or even a call is unexpected, investigate before taking any action. What is the actual email address (not just the displayed from name)? Does it make sense?

a. Quick story: One of our employees was busy getting kids out the door for school when she received a call from the Sherriff’s office stating there was a warrant out for her due to missed jury duty. She was in a such a hurry, she fell for it, until they told her she had to bring in cash to pay the fine. Schemes have evolved, so always be aware.

5. Client information is private, personal email addresses shouldn’t be used outside of personal use and physical documents used at home should be shredded – even when working from home.

Share these ideas with a co-worker or friend. When we all use these best practices, we will all be a little safer!