Millions of bootstrapping entrepreneurs and freelance professionals are fortunate enough to be able to work from home. Not only can they set their own hours and avoid the hassle of commuting to work, but they can also design their office exactly the way they want.
While most people focus on the technology and design aspect of their home office, security doesn’t really breach the top of their priority list. It’s easy to forget that your home office is, in fact, just another work station. Indeed, the chances of burglars striking your home are much higher than a business park. Considering the sensitive data and payment information you probably handle on your home network, your home office needs security on par with most corporate offices.
Here are some instant tech tips on securing your home office with fastest vpn service .
Invest in the right antivirus
Starting off with the most basic security tip of all – use professional antivirus. Ransomware and malware are constantly evolving and paying for the right antivirus is the only way to stay one step ahead of the attackers. Most laptops and desktops are seriously vulnerable to basic forms of attack, which could put your data and your client’s information at risk.
Antivirus isn’t foolproof, of course, but if you doing your research and picking the right software is a basic step for securing your home office.
Use a password manager
When you start using multiple platforms for work it becomes nearly impossible to keep track of all the different passwords. Most people resolve this by using a weak password and repeating it across all platforms. That puts the entire online ecosystem at serious risk. Instead, use a password manager like 1password or LastPass to keep your track of all your online work accounts.
Secure the router
The weakest link in your home network is the router. It’s the first point of attack for most bad guys lurking around your location. Besides buying the right router, securing it with a complex password, and keeping your firmware updated, there’s a lot of other ways to secure your home office network.
Secure the perimeter
Install a smart lock on the door, surveillance cameras, and motion detectors. Additionally, you might even want to invest in a wireless alarm system similar to these Verisure Smart Alarms for extra peace of mind.
Update regularly
Keep everything updated. Online attacks have a tendency to get more sophisticated with time. Attackers get access to new tools and your old software and antivirus won’t be able to stop them unless you’ve kept everything up-to-date. Try to schedule auto updates for everything you use.
Don’t let family use your workstation
Keep your work laptop or desktop away from family. Make sure your family knows certain devices are critical for your work and are off-limits. You don’t want your kids to erase important files or meddle with live software while you’re away.
To Sum Up
It’s easy to forget how vulnerable all your devices are when connected to the internet. Without the right tools, your devices and your clients’ data are vulnerable. When you work from home it’s your responsibility to keep your office as secure as possible.