Protecting work data during WFH is a must. This is especially so if you switch to using a laptop or personal computer when you have to work at home. To ensure the maximum security of your work data, here are some ways to keep your work data safe from being hacked.
Follow Office Procedure
Even if you work from home, follow the same procedures as the office when accessing work documents. Usually, companies have established procedures that prioritize security to keep office data safe from parties with bad intentions. For example, if you have to save files to a special system or drive while at work, do the same at home.
Update Security Software
Software to maintain device security such as firewalls and antiviruses should be kept up to date. A firewall is a wall that works to protect work data during WFH by preventing strangers from accessing your device or network. This is important to protect you from hackers who want to steal data. Of course, the firewall’s work must also be supported by the latest antivirus to detect viruses that hackers usually use to break the security of your device.
Use a Strong Password
Do not underestimate passwords or passwords to protect work data when WFH. The device you are using must be protected by a strong password. To create a strong password, use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers and symbols. Passwords must also be used to protect documents containing important and confidential information.
Device and Document Encryption
Encrypting computer or laptop hardware is important to protect work data during WFH. Encryption is the conversion of data and information into code or ciphertext that cannot be read by hackers. Only the holder of the encryption key can convert it into plaintext for reading and use. Converting data into code by means of encryption does not directly protect your computer or laptop from being hacked. However, the existing data will be unreadable by hackers and thus useless to them.
Use a Secure Cloud Service
To protect all work data when WFH, it is recommended not to store data on a laptop because it is less secure. Better, use cloud-based applications like Office 365 to protect data from hackers. Of course, the cloud-based application used must have been verified as safe by the company’s cybersecurity team.
Backup and Hard Copy
Even if you have stored your data in the cloud safely, don’t forget to back it up with an external device. For very important documents, you should also have a hard copy or physical copy in case the original file is lost. However, saving data on a USB is not recommended because it can be infected with computer viruses.
Enable VPN
A VPN is one of the most powerful ways to protect work data as long as you have to WFH. VPN services provide more security by hiding the user’s IP address, encrypting data transfer, and hiding the user’s location. Usually, large organizations already have their own VPN service and it is mandatory for their employees to work from home.