For almost a year now, many of us have been working from home. With the lockdown still ongoing – though potentially with the end in sight – many are still working remotely. While it might be protecting our health, we can’t forget to protect ourselves from cyber threats, too.

Right now is a great opportunity for cybercriminals. The anxiety around the virus makes people more vulnerable to phishing attacks, while work from home setups tend to have weaker security measures in place than the office. But it is not just cybercriminals causing disruption: 20% of businesses have suffered a breach due to the actions of a remote worker since lockdown began.

It is essential to stay on top of any potential threats or vulnerabilities and ensure employees understand how to stay safe. Here are three security risks you and your staff should look out for when working from home…

Insecure home setups

In an office environment, you probably have an IT manager or someone in control of the security of your network. At home, however, people typically have weaker setups. For example, their Wi-Fi connection might be WEP instead of WPA-2. This may seem unimportant, but weaker setups make it a lot easier to hack into. 

This shift could also mean people are using programs they aren’t familiar with, which can lead to further vulnerabilities. Personal devices like laptops and mobile phones may have fewer security controls, so it is best, if possible, to use work-issued devices. 

Phishing attacks

Phishing attacks are widely recognised as the top cause of data breaches. These attacks can ruin a business. On the surface, they look like normal emails. But they often link to fake websites and downloads that infect your computer. 

Over the course of the pandemic, they’ve become more sophisticated and targeted. But more than that, they’ve become more frequent; HMRC reported a 73% rise in phishing emails. The best way to protect against phishing attacks is training. Make sure all staff know the warning signs of an attempt and to check with IT managers if they aren’t sure.

Weak passwords

If something’s online, there’s a good chance someone else can get into it. It helps to make it as difficult as possible for them. Many companies work online to make work more collaborative. But too often, people reuse login details. 

Using the same login for Zoom, email, and any other online apps or websites you use to stay in contact with your team is dangerous and can result in an attacker gaining access to your accounts. Password managers can help keep track of multiple passwords and help you create stronger ones that are harder to guess.

Cyber threats are a danger to all businesses, especially while we’re working from home. It’s important to back up data, make employees aware of the various attacks and best online practices, and ensure they have the strongest setup possible while they’re working remotely. 

Put your mind at ease by protecting your business today. We pride ourselves on creating the most efficient and effective cyber security solution. For more information, get in touch with us on 01204 706000.