Safety when working from home

With millions of people working from home, I thought we should discuss safety when working from home. For this article, I am going to discuss network security and personal security.

Computer and network security:

If you are working from a home network and a computer, it is more important now than ever. If you have a gap, you can expose your business network. Your employer will make sure that when you connect to their network, it is through a VPN (Virtual Private Network). This will create a secure private connection directly to your company’s servers. Once there, you’ll have to use a variety of authentication measures to make sure it’s you. You may also only be able to “log in” during certain periods of time.

Now would be a good time to make sure that your router is up to date and that you have changed the password. You should have a good internet security program installed on your computer and make sure it is updated regularly.

Email is the way most systems are compromised. So, make sure your internet security also checks your incoming email for viruses. Your social activities online is another way of introducing viruses.

Ultimately, it is you who can protect yourself. Do not click on any link that you cannot identify as safe. Right now, fraudulent links from shipping companies or online retailers are popular. Many people may be waiting for something they ordered from an online retailer. Therefore, you are more likely to click on a link that looks like it could be the material you requested. Take your time and look at that email, if you’re not sure it’s safe, go straight to their website.

Personal security:

When working from home, keep the doors closed. If the doorbell rings, don’t rush to open it thinking it’s the package you’ve been waiting for. First look through the peephole in the door or window. A doorbell camera can be a good idea during these times. If you order takeout, most delivery companies have apps that allow you to track who’s coming to deliver your order.

Remember to take breaks, walk, and do some stretching. Talk to someone you work with. Talk on the phone, don’t text, there is nothing better than the human voice to improve your day and make you more alert.