Cybersecurity Risks When Working from Home

9 Sep 2021 IT Services

With so many businesses moving to remote or hybrid office configurations, cybersecurity has never been more important. Though employees can complete their work from home, this setting can lead to data breaches, identity fraud, and many other hazards. As leading providers of cybersecurity services for all types of businesses, the team at Next Hop Solutions understands how difficult the transition to a remote or hybrid workplace can be. That is why they have compiled a list of common cybersecurity risks when working from home to help employees identify potential hazards before they become a real threat.

Read about some important cybersecurity tips for working from home.

4 Common Cybersecurity Risks When Working from Home

When working from home or another setting away from the office, employees should be aware of the following cybersecurity risks:

1. Phishing Schemes

One of the primary cyber threats for remote employees is phishing schemes. These schemes often take the form of an odd email from someone posing as a co-worker or legitimate contact asking for login information or sensitive data. Though most of these emails are easy to spot, some have become so sophisticated and well-constructed that even the most tech-savvy employees are at risk of surrendering this information. If an email seems off or it is requesting you to click a link, it is likely a phishing attempt.

2. Weak Passwords

Even if your company uses firewalls or a VPN to protect your remote network, human error can still leave holes in your defenses. The most common human error when it comes to cybersecurity is the use of weak passwords for user accounts. These passwords are easy for hackers to guess or decode, making them an ineffective security measure. In addition to weak passwords, some employees use the same password for multiple accounts, allowing hackers to access every account if they breach one of them. Be sure to use passwords with a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.

3. Unencrypted File Sharing

When working remotely, employees share a vast amount of sensitive information every day. From client account information to confidential data, many files can be intercepted by cybercriminals. To protect your files, it is worth utilizing various encryption platforms to secure email text, attachments, and contact lists.

4. Unsecured Home Wi-Fi

Personal home Wi-Fi networks are typically not as secure as business networks due to the lack of a dedicated firewall. Most homeowners and tenants also do not realize that personal Wi-Fi routers require regular updates to maintain a reliable level of security. Employees should keep their router updated and utilize a firewall whenever possible. Additionally, employees should avoid accessing company data on public networks as they have little to no security.

To learn more about cybersecurity when working from home or to inquire about their IT services, get in touch with the team at Next Hop Solutions. They can be reached at 1-855-482-5141 or through their online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have