How to Secure a Work From Home Office?

With the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become the norm. Companies worldwide have sent hundreds of thousands of workers to work from home¹. This change brings benefits like flexibility and convenience but also new security risks. This guide will give you tips and strategies to keep your work from home office safe. We’ll cover setting up a private workspace, using strong passwords, and secure cloud storage.

Did you know that 78 percent of people use work devices for personal stuff and 72 percent use personal devices for work? This mix of work and personal life can raise the risk of data breaches. Cybercriminals often use stolen info or trick people into giving them access². To keep your work safe at home, it’s key to know how to boost your cybersecurity and protect your remote workspace.

Establishing a Secure Remote Workspace

Working from home means you need a private workspace to keep your work safe. Pick a spot that’s away from others to avoid unwanted snooping. Stay away from busy areas or places where family might see your screen. If you can’t find a private spot, think about using privacy filters or screen guards to hide your screen³.

Choosing a Private Location

Make sure your remote workspace is private and secure. Look for a room or corner that’s quiet and away from distractions. If you can, pick a spot with a door to keep out interruptions and keep your work private³. Stay away from places like the kitchen or living room, where others might see your screen by accident³.

Utilizing Privacy Filters and Screen Guards

If you can’t have a fully private space, think about getting privacy filters or screen guards. These tools make it hard for others to see what’s on your screen. They add an extra layer of home office privacy to keep your data safe³. With a more private workspace, you lower the risks of remote work cybersecurity and keep your work confidential.

Safeguarding Sensitive Data and Communications

Remote work is now common, making it key to protect sensitive data and talks⁴. Cyber threats jumped by 238% from February to April 2020 as more companies went remote⁴. To fight these risks, make sure your home Wi-Fi is secure with WPA-2 encryption⁴. This stops others from getting into your network and seeing your data. Also, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a good idea for remote work. It encrypts your internet traffic, making it hard for others to see your data.

Enabling Encrypted Wi-Fi Networks

Securing your home Wi-Fi is key to keeping data safe⁴. Home routers often have more security risks than corporate ones because they don’t get updated often⁴. Turning on WPA-2 encryption makes your Wi-Fi much safer. This protects your work from being listened in on or accessed without permission.

Using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Using a VPN is also a smart move for remote workers⁴. Many remote workers use IoT devices like smart speakers on the same network as their work, making them more vulnerable⁵. A VPN makes your internet traffic safe and private. It keeps your work data and talks safe from others. If your job doesn’t offer a VPN, look into a trusted VPN service for extra security.

Key Remote Work Security Threats	Impact
Phishing Attacks	⁶ Remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 238% increase in cyber attacks, with phishing being a top threat.
Credential Stuffing	⁶ Credential stuffing attacks targeting remote workers can lead to data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
VPN Exploits	⁶ Vulnerabilities in VPN solutions used by remote workers can be exploited by cybercriminals to gain access to corporate networks and data.
Insecure Applications	⁶ The use of unsecured, personal applications by remote workers can expose sensitive data to potential compromise.
Ransomware Attacks	⁶ Ransomware attacks targeting remote workers can cripple business operations and lead to significant financial and reputational damage.

By using strong security like encrypted Wi-Fi and VPNs, remote workers can better protect their data and talks. This helps fight the growing cyber threats in remote work.

Implementing Strong Authentication Measures

Keeping your remote work safe needs strong security steps. Using biometric authentication like Windows Hello is a good idea. It lets you log in with your face or fingerprints, adding extra security over passwords⁷.

Also, turning on multi-factor authentication (MFA) is key when you’re online. MFA makes it tough for others to get into your accounts by asking for more than just a password. This could be a code sent to your phone⁸.

Biometric Authentication

Methods like facial recognition or fingerprint scanning make logging in safe and easy. These biometric authentication ways are better than passwords because they’re unique to you and hard to fake⁷.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Adding multi-factor authentication (MFA) to your remote work is also key. It asks for more than just a password, like a code on your phone or a token, before you can get into your stuff. This makes it harder for others to get in⁸.

Authentication Factor	Description
Knowledge-based	Something you know, like a password or PIN
Possession-based	Something you have, like a security token or mobile device
Biometric-based	Something you are, like a fingerprint or facial recognition
Behavior-based	Something you do, like a unique typing pattern or location

Using a mix of these ways to check who you are can make your remote work much safer. This helps keep out unwanted visitors⁹.

Keeping your remote work safe is very important today. Using strong checks like biometric and multi-factor authentication can protect your data and keep your work safe⁷⁸⁹.

Enhancing Password Security

In today’s world of remote work, making your passwords stronger is key. Don’t pick simple passwords like common words or personal info. Go for longer, complex passwords that are at least 12 characters long and don’t sound like English. Think about using a passphrase, which is a mix of words that’s easy to remember but hard to guess¹⁰.

Changing your passwords often and using a password manager can boost your password security¹⁰. The Future of Secure Work report says 38% of workers and leaders use password managers more because of remote work¹⁰.

Don’t use the same password for different accounts¹¹.
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) if you can to add more security¹¹.
Back up important files often to avoid losing them to ransomware attacks¹¹.

Using strong password security steps is key to keeping your home office safe from cyber threats¹¹. By doing these things, you’ll make your remote work setup more secure¹⁰.

A good remote work cybersecurity policy should cover how to handle passwords, where to store them, and using 2-factor authentication for work apps¹⁰. Being careful and proactive with your password security is vital for keeping your home office and your company’s data safe¹¹.

Securing Work From Home Offices

With over 70 percent of global employees working remotely at least once a week¹², it’s key to keep your work area safe. Make sure to lock your device when you’re away and keep your work gadgets away from family or guests. Always be aware of your surroundings during online meetings to keep your remote work secure¹².

Having a private spot for work can make your home office safer. Keep work and personal devices on different Wi-Fi networks to protect your data¹³. Also, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when accessing work accounts adds an extra security layer¹³.

Keep your home router’s software updated and use a strong password for your network¹³.
Don’t use work devices on public Wi-Fi and prefer personal hotspots instead¹³.
Watch out for phishing emails and links and verify them before clicking¹³.

By following these steps, you can keep your remote work safe and protect your home office from security risks.

Enabling Local Drive Encryption

In today’s digital world, keeping your data safe is crucial, especially when working from home. Using local drive encryption is a great way to protect your device and its data. Technologies like BitLocker for Windows or FileVault for macOS can keep your data safe even if your device is lost or stolen¹⁴.

This extra security can give you peace of mind and lower the risk of data loss due to theft or misplacement¹⁴. Encryption tools like BitLocker need admin rights to work, so only those with permission can access your data¹⁵. You can also use a PIN or a USB drive to unlock your encrypted drive, making it even safer¹⁵.

It’s key to remember that everyone who uses the computer needs the PIN or USB drive to access the encrypted data¹⁵. To make this easier, you can store the PIN in a secure place like LastPass, making it easy to share and access¹⁵.

By turning on drive encryption, you make sure your important data is safe, even if your device is lost or stolen. This step is vital for keeping your work safe and protecting your company’s secrets¹⁴.

Encryption Technology	Operating System	Key Features
BitLocker	Windows	Requires administrator privileges Supports PIN or USB flash drive for startup unlock PIN option offers enhanced security Suspend for planned updates, then re-enables
FileVault	macOS	Full-disk encryption Integrates with system login Supports recovery keys for data access

Using drive encryption, data protection, BitLocker, and FileVault helps keep your work safe and your data secure¹⁴¹⁵¹⁶.

Keeping Software and Security Updates Current

Keeping your devices updated with the latest software updates and security patches is key to a safe work-from-home setup. Make sure your operating system, apps, and anti-malware are current to tackle known risks and protect against remote work cybersecurity threats¹⁷. Setting updates to install automatically can keep your systems safe, even when you’re not there¹⁷.

Not updating your software can leave it open to attacks¹⁷. Always follow update prompts right away¹⁷. Old anti-virus tools can’t fight new threats, so updating them often is a must¹⁷. Also, don’t keep software you don’t use, as it can be a risk¹⁷.

Here are some tips to keep your devices secure:

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for safe internet connections¹⁷.
Make different user accounts on shared computers to protect work and data¹⁷.
Stick with secure browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, and keep them updated¹⁷.
Choose strong passwords with no easy-to-guess letters or numbers for better cybersecurity¹⁷.
Add two-factor or multi-factor authentication for extra security¹⁷.
Be careful with Wi-Fi connections to avoid risky networks¹⁷.
Be wary of emails, messages, and websites to dodge phishing and hacking¹⁷.

Staying alert and keeping your devices updated is crucial for a secure work-from-home life¹⁷. Working with experts like managed service providers (MSPs) can also help keep your cybersecurity strong during remote work¹⁷.

Utilizing Modern and Secure Browsers

When working remotely, it’s key to use a modern and secure web browser. Browsers like Microsoft Edge, built on the Chromium engine, have strong security and update often to fight new threats¹⁸. Don’t use old or unsupported browsers because they can be easily hacked, putting your remote work at risk.

To keep your online work safe at home, follow these tips:

Choose a secure browser like Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome for regular security updates and protection against new threats.
Turn on browser security features like pop-up blockers, phishing and malware protection, and the ability to clear your history and cache easily.
Always keep your browser updated by enabling automatic updates or checking for the latest version to get the newest security fixes.
Be careful with browser extensions or add-ons you download, as some might have malware or harm your privacy. Only use extensions from trusted sources.
Think about using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet and protect your online actions from being watched or attacked.

Using a secure and modern web browser helps protect your remote work and data from cyber threats. This ensures a safer online experience while working from home¹⁹.

Leveraging Secure Cloud Storage

In today’s world of remote work, keeping your data safe is crucial. Instead of keeping files on your device, think about using secure cloud storage like SharePoint and OneDrive. These services have strong security, like end-to-end encryption and version control. This keeps your data safe even if your device gets lost or stolen²⁰.

Using cloud storage not only keeps your data safe but also makes working together easier. You can access and work on files from anywhere, making your work flow smoothly across devices. Plus, it helps protect against ransomware and data loss, giving you peace of mind in today’s remote work world²⁰.

Benefits of SharePoint and OneDrive

Secure cloud-based file storage and sharing
Robust encryption and version control features
Seamless remote accessibility and collaboration
Protection against data loss and ransomware attacks

Secure cloud storage is key to a productive and safe remote work setup. It helps keep your work and team together, all while lowering the risks of working from different places²⁰²¹.

Feature	SharePoint	OneDrive
Cloud Storage Capacity	1 TB per user	1 TB per user
Collaboration Features	Robust, with built-in Office integration	Basic, focused on individual file storage
Security and Compliance	Advanced, with enterprise-grade encryption and compliance features	Adequate, with standard encryption and compliance support
Pricing	Included in Microsoft 365 subscription	Included in Microsoft 365 subscription

For remote work, SharePoint and OneDrive both have great features and benefits. But, the best choice depends on your needs, how your team works together, and your security worries. By looking at these factors, you can pick the best cloud storage for your remote work setup²⁰.

Prioritizing Web-Based Applications

Working remotely means focusing on web-based applications and cloud tools for tasks and teamwork²². Using these online tools through a browser cuts down data storage risks on your device²². It also keeps your work safe if your device gets lost or hacked.

The COVID-19 pandemic made it clear how vital secure, web-based applications and cloud-based tools are for remote work productivity and online collaboration²². These tools let you work from any device with internet, avoiding the risks of installing software locally²².

When picking web-based tools, look for strong security like end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication²². Using cloud-based tools boosts your remote work security and keeps your data safe, no matter where you are²².

Web-Based Application	Security Features	Collaboration Capabilities
Microsoft 365	Multi-factor authentication Encryption for data at rest and in transit Advanced threat protection	Online document collaboration Real-time co-authoring Shared calendars and scheduling
Google Workspace	Two-factor authentication Granular access controls Data loss prevention	Collaborative editing of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations Video conferencing and instant messaging Cloud storage and file sharing

Choosing secure, web-based applications and cloud-based tools boosts remote work productivity and online collaboration. It also keeps your data safe²².

Success in remote work comes from using the security and ease of web-based applications and cloud-based tools²². This approach keeps you productive, helps you work together well, and protects your data online²²²³²⁴.

Maintaining Communication with IT Support

Working from home means you need to talk to your IT support team well. If you have tech problems or feel your device or data is at risk, tell your IT support right away²⁵. They can help fix issues, secure your data, and follow up with actions to keep you safe. Also, listen to any new rules your IT team sets to keep your work safe online²⁵.

It’s key to keep talking with your IT support for tech troubles and to keep your work safe. Tell them about any odd happenings or security issues fast, as they can help and protect your stuff²⁵. Working with your IT team means you’ll know the latest ways to stay safe online and keep your work setup secure²⁶.

You should also keep up with any new rules your IT team makes. This could be about VPN updates, new passwords, or more ways to prove who you are. Talking to your IT team and following their advice helps keep your work safe and lowers risks²⁵.

Your IT support team is there to help you with remote work and keep your work and data safe. By keeping them in the loop and working together, you make your remote work safer and more productive. Using their knowledge is key to a secure and efficient remote work life²⁵.

Staying Vigilant Against Phishing Attempts

As remote work grows, we must stay alert against phishing. Cybercriminals use the fear of remote work to trick people with fake emails and calls. Knowing about remote work cybersecurity helps keep your data safe from these threats.

Verifying Email and Link Authenticity

Be careful with unexpected messages, even if they seem to be from people you know. Before you click or share info, make sure the request is real by checking with the sender through a safe way²⁷. Scammers try to get your login details or malware on your computer. Confirming with the sender can stop phishing and keep your email safe.

Watch out for any links or files that seem off, as they might carry malware or let hackers into your accounts²⁷. If a link or file seems fishy, don’t click on it. Call the sender to check if the request is genuine and avoid scams.

Be cautious of unexpected emails, phone calls, or messages, even if they appear to be from trusted sources.
Verify the authenticity of any requests for sensitive information or links by contacting the sender directly through a known, trusted channel.
Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments unless you can confirm their legitimacy.

By being careful and checking messages, you can keep yourself and your work safe from phishing threats²⁷²⁸²⁹.

Establishing Clear Work-Life Boundaries

Working from home means you need clear lines between work and personal life. Having a dedicated workspace helps you avoid mixing work with leisure, like your bed or couch. Stick to a schedule, take breaks, and don’t work outside your set hours to prevent burnout and keep a good work-life balance.³⁰

To boost your productivity, try using apps like Clockify or TimeCamp to track your tasks and stay focused³⁰. Also, setting a ‘startup’ and ‘shutdown’ routine helps mark the start and end of your workday. This makes it clear when you’re working and when you’re not³⁰.

Avoid mixing work with leisure, like your bed or couch.
Stick to a schedule, take breaks, and don’t work outside your set hours.
Use time-tracking apps to manage your tasks and stay focused.
Set a ‘startup’ and ‘shutdown’ routine to mark your workday’s start and end.

Separating work and personal time helps prevent burnout and keeps a healthy work-life balance while working remotely³⁰. This is key as 32% of remote workers struggle with work-life balance, and remote workers often work longer hours³¹.

Employers are also focusing on their remote workers’ work-life balance. Spring Health gives employees up to $1,000 in education reimbursement and offers mental health benefits like therapy and coaching.³² Supporting work-life balance helps employers keep their remote teams happy and reduces turnover³².

With about 22 million people in the US working from home, setting clear work-life boundaries is crucial³². By using these tips, you can stay productive and well while enjoying the perks of working remotely.

Requesting Necessary Remote Work Equipment

If your employer supports your remote work setup, don’t hesitate to ask for the equipment you need. This could be things like a good desk, ergonomic chair, extra monitor, keyboard, and mouse³³. Also, tell your IT team or management if you need specific software for your job³⁴.

Getting the right remote work equipment can boost your productivity and reduce strain. Forbes says about 16% of companies will work fully remote by 2024, up from 2021³³. Also, 25% of companies have helped pay for home office gear since 2020³³.

Companies like GroWrk offer top laptops for remote workers³³. But only 38% of remote companies gave a WFH stipend or bought laptops for workers³³.

Employers can buy new devices, use what they have, or give a WFH stipend³³. Using a service like GroWrk is a good way to equip remote workers efficiently³³. Standards like SOC2 and ISO 27001 suggest companies own their employees’ equipment for data security³³.

When asking for remote work equipment, think about what you really need. This includes a fast laptop, a laptop stand, and a widescreen monitor³³. Employers should also think about local laws when giving out equipment to remote workers³³.

Remote Work Equipment	Percentage of Employers Providing
Home Office Stipend	80%³⁵
BYOD Policy (Bring Your Own Device)	45%³⁵
Company-Provided Computer	30%³⁵
Laptop or Desktop Computer	65%³⁵
Ergonomic Chair	75%³⁵
Noise-Canceling Headphones	60%³⁵

Many employers pay for home internet for remote workers to ensure they have good internet³⁵. They also give the software needed for work, from basic tools to specialized ones, to help workers do their jobs better³⁵.

For a good work-from-home setup, you need a computer, phone, and reliable internet³⁴. It’s important to have the right computer setup with enough RAM, storage, and security software³⁴. Also, having your own cell phone coverage and a backup internet plan is key³⁴.

Adding things like a comfy chair and desk can make your remote work setup better³⁴. Other good items include a headset, microphone, camera for video calls, and good lighting³⁴. You might also want a second monitor, laptop stand, external keyboard, wireless mouse, printer, scanner, and some organizational tools³⁴³³³⁵.

Dedicating a Separate Workspace

Working from home means setting aside a special area for your dedicated home office. Pick a quiet spot to cut down on distractions and keep work and personal life separate³⁶. Even a small corner can be your dedicated workspace, helping you stay focused and boosting your mood³⁶.

Having a dedicated remote work environment brings many benefits³⁷. Most professional accountants and bookkeepers who work from home say a dedicated space helps them keep work and personal life apart³⁷. This setup reduces distractions, making you more productive and efficient³⁶. Using the same space regularly also helps you stay organized and follow a routine, which improves your work³⁶.

Here are some tips for setting up your dedicated home office:

Make sure your workspace gets enough natural light. It can boost your energy, alertness, mood, and productivity³⁸.
Set your desk at 28 inches high. You can also use a standing desk to reduce back pain and improve blood flow³⁸.
Use ergonomic furniture like an adjustable chair, keyboard, and mouse to avoid muscle pain and repetitive injuries³⁸.
Keep your work and personal papers separate to avoid distractions³⁸.
Have a fast internet connection of at least 50Mbps for your work needs³⁸.

By having a separate workspace, you can keep a good balance between work and life. This helps prevent burnout and boosts your work-from-home productivity³⁶³⁷.

Utilizing a Dedicated Work Phone Number

Working from home means setting clear lines between work and personal life is key. A good way to do this is by having a work phone number. You can get one through a VoIP service or a second mobile device³⁹. This helps you keep work calls away from your personal time, making for a better work-life balance.

Having a separate work phone also makes things easier for your customers. They can call you directly without missing out on business to others³⁹. Plus, companies can save money by buying devices and plans in bulk³⁹. Work phones with standard systems also ensure everyone in the company can connect easily and securely³⁹.

Only 15% of small to medium businesses give devices to all staff⁴⁰. Yet, over 60% of workers use their personal phones for work outside work hours⁴⁰. Offering a dedicated work phone helps employees keep work and personal life separate. This can improve their well-being and work performance⁴⁰. OpenPhone lets you add a virtual business line to any smartphone, making it a great choice for remote work⁴⁰.