You can’t take privacy and security for granted in any context, and these aspects are especially relevant if you’re someone who regularly works from home.
Any slip-up could hurt your career, harm your employer’s reputation, and generally cause chaos in your professional life.
To avoid worst-case scenarios, here are a few things you can do to keep your home office activities private.
Establish Physical Security Measures in your Home Office
Before we delve into the topic of digital security, it’s important to consider physical security measures for your home office.
First, make sure all doors and windows can be locked when you’re away from work or sleeping. Use sturdy locks with high-security keys for greater protection.
It’s also a good idea to install surveillance cameras both inside and outside of the premises so that any suspicious activities can be monitored closely.
If possible, place an alarm system connected directly to a monitoring center or police station nearby as another way of ensuring safety around the property.
Furthermore, invest in secure storage options, such as lockable filing cabinets and safes, where sensitive documents can be safely stored. Even if you don’t have physical documents for work purposes, it’s handy for personal paperwork, such as everything associated with applying for a residential mortgage. You don’t want personal data falling into the wrong hands either online or off.
Set Up a Secure Wi-Fi Network
Protecting your home office from digital intrusions begins with an encrypted wireless network. While most modern routers come preconfigured for secure connection, it’s important to change the default security settings and create unique passwords.
Choose strong encryption protocols such as WPA2 or WPA3 that use AES algorithm for protecting data traffic over a wireless network.
It is also recommended to hide the SSID of your router so that only those who know its name can access it, making sure unauthorized individuals don’t have a backdoor to your internet connection.
Finally, frequently update all software related to online security on any device connected to the network in order to prevent cyberattacks and shield sensitive information stored on them from exploitation.
Use Password Protection
It is essential to protect all the devices used in your home office with passwords, including computers, phones and tablets.
A strong password should be long and complex enough so that it can’t be easily guessed or cracked by malicious software. It’s also recommended to use two-factor authentication whenever possible as an extra layer of security.
Make sure you never share passwords with anyone else who doesn’t need access to a given account, and change them frequently. Create reminders on your calendar for this purpose so you don’t forget!
Lastly, consider creating a secure virtual private network (VPN) connection when connecting remotely outside of your home office in order to avoid common security vulnerabilities.
Take Advantage of Encryption Technology to Safeguard Data
Data encryption is another way to secure the information stored in your home office. By using a combination of public and private keys, you can ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive files or messages being sent over the internet.
You may also use end-to-end encrypted messaging apps for communicating securely with other professionals while working remotely. This will prevent third parties from gaining access to any data shared between two parties involved in the conversation.
Final Thoughts
Your employer may have specific best practices and protocols you need to follow regarding security when working from home, so take these into account as part of your domestic office preparations.
Also let other members of the household know about their responsibilities regarding privacy and security. You don’t want them to end up compromising your best-laid plans through lack of awareness.