Here’s How To Stay Cybersecure When Working From Home

Vulnerability is the one thing that cybercriminals feed on and with the World Health Organization declaring Covid-19 as a pandemic, cybercrime is on a rise. As per the Indian government directive, private firms have been told to manage their operations with a 50% rotational staff working. 

‘Work from home’ has been encouraged for all those companies that can manage their operations digitally. Even if they can’t, well being of their staffers is expected to be their highest priority. Tech giants like Google, Wipro, Zoho, Shopify, PayTM, etc were the first few to ask their staffers to work remotely.

Technology has made serious breakthroughs that have made the concept of ‘work from home’ so easy but with it also comes the challenge of cybersecurity. A lot of miscreants have taken advantage of the situation and developed fake apps that are claiming to track the speed of the virus spread and some have created fake profiles posing as WHO officials! 

As the world is headed towards a lockdown to protect itself from the virus, how does one protect themselves from a cyber attack? 

All major cyber agencies such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA and UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has advised at being careful about phishing emails and clicking on malicious links. 

Here is what you should do: 

Create a unique password

Since phishing mails are looking to steal your login details, it is imperative that you create a strong unique password. This may not be a sure shot way to save your computer from an attack but it will definitely make it difficult for the hacker. Be also very careful who you are sharing your password with and through what means of communication. 

Identify Phishing Scams

While anyone can fall prey to this scam, there are some giveaways that could save you. Check the email address of the sender to know if its a verified domain. Then see the context and language used in the text. If it is grammatical wrong or the offer is too tempting, it is probably a scam. Another alert would be if you keep getting the same mail from the same email address. 

Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) would work well for your company since it ensures an encrypted connection between the device and the server. It is safe and secure particularly for file transfer and remote working. The maintenance cost of this network is also affordable. 

Back-Up all your files

This is an option you must take even if you aren’t under the threat of a cyber-attack. Back up all your important information so even if the attacker gets access to it, you don’t lose crucial data. You can either store your files in an external hard drive or the cloud. 

Use Anti-Virus Software

You need to research well and then choose antivirus software for your work device. Install it and keep it updated so it works efficiently. It may save you from a lot of attacks and if not save at least delay a huge ransomware attack your way. 

Summing Up…

While the nation grapples with containing the coronavirus outbreak, one must ensure they are taking all the necessary precautions for their health and their devices. Be sure to sanitize your laptops and your smartphones too along with your hands. Be sure that you get your source of information from a credible organization and don’t fall into the trap of fake apps or products that are making false claims. Stay safe!