5 Steps For Securing Your Remote Work Space

With so many people still working from home, cybercriminals are trying to cash in. Cyberattacks have increased 300% and the risk of losing important data or being compromised is much greater at home.

Here are five recommendations for securing your home office.

1. Use a VPN

Whether you’re connecting to company resources or a Zoom call, use a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs encrypt all of your online traffic to prevent hackers from capturing data in transit. Be sure to use a well-known VPN – they are widely available in software marketplaces or directly from vendors.

2. Be wary of phishing attempts

Attackers want people to click on malicious links, which is why phishing attempts now account for more than 80% of reported security incidents. Always be wary of clicking unknown links or files you were not expecting, and install a cyber protection solution like Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office (formerly Acronis True Image), which can block malicious URLs from loading in the first place.

3. Be sure to have good anti-malware up and running properly

Having a quality anti-malware solution installed is a must, but it must be configured properly to be effective. That means:

Performing a full scan at least once a day; Running updates daily or hourly, depending on when they are available; and Running on-demand and real-time scans for every new software installed or executed.

Also, pay attention to the messages coming from your anti-malware solution and make sure your licenses are active.

4. Patch your OS and apps

Many attacks succeed because of unpatched vulnerabilities. Keeping your operating system (OS) updated is crucial to ensure security gaps are closed. Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office (formerly Acronis True Image) provides vulnerability assessments so you know if your system has gaps that can be exploited and rates the severity level so you can prioritize your patching efforts.

For home users, it’s best to ensure your devices and applications receive all needed updates quickly. Selecting auto-updates for popular software vendors like Adobe can help minimize the risk of attack.

5. Keep your passwords and workspace to yourself

Do not share passwords with anyone, and use different passwords for every service you use. Remember, the old eight-character passwords are easily cracked by today’s attacks. Use long phrases you can remember if you choose not to use a password manager.

Even when working from home, lock your computer and limit access to it. It is possible for someone to access information on an unlocked computer from a distance. Don’t assume you are protected simply because people are not physically in your home.

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to securing remote work. To help make it easier, Acronis offers a suite of cyber protection solutions for home users, businesses, and managed services providers. Find the one that fits your unique needs and try it free for 30 days.