There have been major advances in information technology. Universally, the workforce is becoming more and more flexible. This means that more people are working away from the office.

Remote working has many benefits, but it also raises safety and health concerns. The real issue, however, is cybersecurity. Most companies vigilantly protect their networks and devices from security threats. Working from remote locations makes this hard.

This guide will give you tips on how to better protect yourself from cyber threats while working from remote locations.

Advantages of Remote Working Flexibility

With remote working, you are in charge of your own schedule. You have control over what time you do your work as long as you meet your deadlines. This is a major motivating factor since it makes working efficient.

Less Costly

Working remotely or from home is a cost saver! You won't have to spend money on things like transportation costs, eating lunch out, and purchasing a business wardrobe. The overall effect is increased savings on your part.

Fewer Interruptions

Remote working allows you to focus on your work without distractions like office chatter. This greatly increases productivity. Of course, there’s the temptation to be less productive at home, but in reality, it’s easy for managers to monitor workers based on output. 

Better Health and Well-being

Most remote workers agree that they have more time to include daily exercises into their schedules. As a remote worker, you also won't be exposed to sick employees. On the other hand, if you are sick you'll be able to take care of yourself while still being productive.

Better Work-life Balance

Remote working doesn’t require you to adhere to strict working hours like in the past. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your life like picking up kids from school, household chores, and many other things that are important to you.

Reduces Environmental Footprint

With remote working, people don't have to travel to and from work every day. Carbon emissions from cars are renowned for causing pollution. Having fewer cars on the road goes a long way in environmental conservation.

Disadvantages of Remote Working

Personal Distractions

When working from the office, there will be far fewer personal distractions. When working from home you’re constantly reminded of family responsibilities and duties. If you’re the type of worker who needs structure and supervision, this may be hard to achieve from home. 

Lack of Motivation

Since there is no strict timetable to stick to, you are likely to lose self-discipline. This will make you less motivated to do your work. This really depends on the type of worker you are and what you need for motivation. 

Less Collaboration

If you’re working remotely, you won’t be able to consult with colleagues. Although working side by side with fellow employees can be distracting, it’s still helpful in achieving collaboration on projects.

Lower Pay

Companies don’t typically pay remote employees well, especially in the first-world with high costs of living. Workers in third-world countries really thrive with remote work, as they are often paid in stronger currencies. Still, they are also paid less than their first-world counterparts for the same work. 

Risks of Remote Working Phishing Attacks

This is a type of social engineering attack used to steal data and information like credit card numbers, and login credentials. It occurs when an attacker dupes a victim into opening a scam email or text. As a remote worker, you are susceptible to this attack especially if you don’t use email address search tools before opening your mail.

Unsecured Networks

A reliable and secure internet connection is not always available to remote workers. Working on a public network is especially risky. Using public networks can lead to potential data breaches and other security risks.

Computer Sharing and Personal Use

At times, working remotely may mean you share your work computer with family members or housemates. This can pose a potential security risk especially if you have sensitive information on your computer.

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Safety Tips for Minimizing the Risks

Update Programs and Operating Systems

Applications and operating systems have numerous vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals can utilize this to infiltrate your device. They normally rely on people’s laziness to update software.

The latest versions of programs usually have inherent vulnerabilities. It’s therefore essential to regularly update everything installed in any device you use for work.

Using Email Address Search Tools

This will help protect you from phishing emails. All you need to do is install an email address search tool to check every suspicious email you receive. If you do not recognize the sender of an email, do not open it before using the search tool.

Protect devices with an Antivirus solution

Companies take different measures to protect their devices from malware. These include restricting online access from unauthorized devices, prohibiting employees from installing applications, and installing security solutions.

If you have work documents on your computer, you should install a reliable Antivirus on any device with corporate data.

Lock your device

It’s easy for someone to spy on your work if you leave your device unattended. It’s therefore important to ensure your screen is locked before you move away. Even when working from home, it’s essential to lock your device. Be on guard to ensure all devices are password protected.

In addition to the above, you can configure WI-FI encryption to prevent attackers from gaining access to your WI-FI network. Also, keep an eye out for advancements in security protocols. Remote working may have its fair share of cons, but when all is said and done, it’s the way of the future. Getting accustomed to these safety precautions will ensure you’re equipped to do your job without any hiccups!

About Author:

This article is written by Marketing Team of HR Cloud. HR Cloud is a leading global provider of Applicant Tracking, Onboarding, Offboarding, Communications, Engagement, and Recognition solutions. Its powerful and user-friendly software eliminates manual/paper processes, increases employee productivity and engagement, improves time and cost savings, and reduces regulatory compliance risk. 

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