As more and more people are working remotely, it’s important to ensure that your work is secure during the holiday season. Cyber criminals are known to take advantage of this time of year with increased online shopping, email scams, and other methods to steal personal information. Here are some tips to help keep your remote work cyber safe during the holidays.
Keep Your Devices Safe
One of the most important things you can do to keep your remote work cyber safe is to make sure your devices are secure. This includes using strong and unique passwords, keeping your software and operating system up-to-date, and using a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing sensitive information. It’s also recommended to enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.
Be Wary of Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are a common tactic used by cyber criminals to gain access to personal information. These scams often come in the form of email phishing, where the sender impersonates a legitimate company or individual and asks for sensitive information like login credentials or credit card numbers. To avoid falling victim to these scams, be wary of emails from unknown senders, and never click on suspicious links or attachments.
Shop Safely Online
With the rise of online shopping during the holidays, it’s important to take precautions when making purchases. Make sure you are using a secure website by looking for “https” in the URL and a padlock icon next to it. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks when making purchases, as they can be easily intercepted by cyber criminals. It’s also a good idea to use a credit card instead of a debit card, as it offers more protection in case of fraud.
Educate Yourself and Your Team
Aside from taking precautions yourself, it’s important to educate your team on the dangers of cyber threats and how to prevent them. This could include hosting a virtual training session on cyber security best practices or sharing articles and tips with your team. By increasing awareness and knowledge, you can help protect not only yourself but also your organization from potential cyber attacks.
Stay Vigilant
During the busy holiday season, it’s easy to let your guard down and become more lax with cyber security. However, it’s important to stay vigilant and remain cautious of any suspicious activity or emails. If you receive an email or message that seems suspicious, don’t hesitate to report it to your IT department or delete it altogether.
Invest in Managed IT Services
If you’re a business owner or manager, it may be beneficial to invest in managed IT services. These services can help monitor and protect your company’s network and devices, providing an added layer of security during the holiday season and beyond. With experts managing your IT systems, you can have peace of mind knowing that your remote work is cyber safe.
Be Proactive
The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it’s also a time to be extra cautious when it comes to cyber security. By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can help protect yourself and your organization from potential threats. Remember, cyber criminals often take advantage of this time of year, so it’s important to stay informed and take proactive measures to keep your remote work cyber safe during the holidays.