Completing your 9-5 work routine even after you book a spontaneous trip abroad is the flexibility employees from 10 years ago could only dream of. Now, blending working schedules with vacation is more possible than ever, primarily due to a shift in attitude towards remote work and the ability to stay connected to the internet anywhere.
Besides this, individuals also discover the strength in pursuing independent projects and earning opportunities. With everything happening online, the undeniable freedom also leaves room for potential risks, particularly menacing without a cybersecurity plan.
The current concept of remote work
Most remote work refers to official positions at companies that permit employees to work remotely anywhere, whether at home or on a beach in Spain. As long as you have stable internet and can complete your tasks thoroughly, the location of employees is no longer an issue. In these cases, employers do have strict guidelines for remote work, such as:
- Securing their internet connection with the help of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and using company-issued devices.
- Setting precise working hours to stay in touch with the team (additional check-in meetings might be scheduled).
- Restricting access to devices and never leaving them unattended.
However, remote work can also mean that people freelance or explore other options to make money online. It could mean releasing digital products, participating in market research, completing various micro-jobs, or exploring peer-to-peer investing. In that case, people are responsible for their affairs and might not have a guidebook for following the best security practices.
Also Read: Secure Data Storage Made Easy with Virtual Data Rooms
Being more aware of cybersecurity when working
If you’re an employee, consult your manager about the requirements for working remotely safely. However, this responsibility falls on your shoulders if you are your own boss. For establishing a plan to conduct work securely, you can consider the following points:
Picking trusted earning options
Online communications make it challenging to differentiate between the truth and lies. So, people seeking additional income encounter several sketchy people or outright scammers. Before you decide to trust a particular remote work posting, freelancing offer, or any earning proposition online, do this:
- Verify the source of the offer, be it a company or an online entity (website or application).
- Look for any red flags, such as unsecured connections (HTTP vs. HTTPS), initial payment demands, or highly personal questions (from your identity to banking details).
- Seek feedback from other users on whether they receive their payments.
- Many freelancing options allow companies to verify themselves. Look for this indication whenever you consider a new client.
- Communicate with people through trusted means (such as Upwork) instead of switching to instant messaging applications. If a person urges to switch to a different platform, refuse and see their reaction.
Security for devices and connections
When working remotely, don’t join unsecured Wi-Fi networks. For instance, hotel Wi-Fi can be relatively secure but vulnerable to interruptions or hacking. You can purchase portable Wi-Fi hotspots or protect yourself on public Wi-Fi through a VPN (pick a trusted provider). According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a critical step in securing your connection on public Wi-Fi networks, as it encrypts your data and protects it from potential eavesdroppers.[NIST, Special Publication 800-77]
Phishing or other cyber attacks
Say you offer services via an official website and leave your email address for potential contacts to start a conversation. Your inbox will likely see an influx of bogus messages, ranging from annoying to potentially dangerous. Thus, you can integrate contact forms instead of exposing specific contact information for security reasons. Also, it should include a CAPTCHA to protect it from spam.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that phishing attacks, which often use deceptive emails or messages, are a leading cause of identity theft and financial loss for remote workers and online freelancers.” [FTC, Consumer Advice] Furthermore, it’s vital to recognize that cyber threats are constantly evolving, with attackers developing increasingly sophisticated methods to bypass traditional security measures, necessitating continuous vigilance and adaptation. Modern cyber threats often involve complex, multi-layered attacks that target vulnerabilities across multiple systems and user behaviors, requiring a holistic and proactive approach to security.
Back up important files and data
If you suffer a cyber attack or a glitch, you need a way to retrieve files and crucial information. Thus, don’t just store it on your device. Instead, pick trusted cloud services to access data from any machine. It saves you time and lets you offer services and finish work smoothly.
Weak password and lack of 2FA
The tendency to choose weak passwords persists despite the many incidents reported. So, whenever you pick a new combination, make it unique, lengthy, and complex. Use a password manager (free or paid) to access your credentials quickly. As a cherry on top, 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) protects your account from unauthorized access even if someone learns your passwords.
Also Read: How to Access UF Apps Remotely {Step by Step Guide}
Accept secured payment options
Depending on what remote work you do, you might have different options for getting your earnings. Some clients can be local, meaning they can initiate payments from banks you know well. However, sometimes, they might offer to pay through unknown services (which you should refuse).
For instance, websites focused on providing micro-jobs can also offer rewards to users. One option is to receive gift cards with the value you have earned. Other standard options include payment via cryptocurrencies or PayPal. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends that individuals and businesses prioritize using secure payment platforms with robust encryption and fraud protection measures to minimize the risk of financial cybercrimes.” [CISA, Payment Security Best Practices]
Conclusion
Staying secure online is both easier and more complicated nowadays. We have a lot of support, but scammers or hackers invent new approaches to tricking people. So, it’s crucial for companies offering remote work to establish clear guidelines for workers. Those exploring different independent opportunities should take time to embrace the most secure practices and detect red flags early on.
