Are you working from home? If so, now is the time to focus on network security. People working from home face unique network security challenges that can lead to data breaches, if they're not careful. If you're working from home, whether you've recently started working from home or you're an experienced work from home pro, these tips can help you keep your data safe.  

Keep Your Cyber Security Software Up to Date

Modern computers get updates that fortify their computer against outside attackers. Most computers get notifications about updates through their network, then the computer user must restart the computer and allow the updates to be downloaded. Sometimes updates can be put off until a more convenient time, but putting off updates can lead to security breaches. Watch for notifications that indicate updates are available, and download updates as soon as you can.  

Follow Your Employer's Telework Policy

Many larger employers have a formal telework policy outlining information such as:

• What can and can't be done with company technology
• What software must be in place (and used) to secure the home network
• How technology must be stored and kept secure

Read your employer's telework policy and follow it closely. Stay up to date on the most recent policy changes.

Password Protect Your Laptop

Use a password to protect your laptop, and make that password challenging to crack. The most challenging passwords often have a special character, an upper case and lower case letter, and numbers.

Don't write down your password anywhere that it can be found. Some people secure their password by writing down parts of it in different places, so even if a portion of it is found, the full password will not be revealed. Don't assume that your password can be safely left out in the open simply because you're working from home. Visitors and family members will have access to anything left sitting out, which makes it not secure. 

Lock Your Home Office and Password Protect Your Network

If possible, lock your home office to keep members of your household from accessing your computer and equipment while you're not there. While you may feel that members of your household do not serve as a security threat to your network, this can also prevent your home office equipment from being moved, tampered with or damaged. 

Are you relying on Wi-Fi at home? Password protect your network. Use a complicated password, and not one that you've used in other places. 

Take Network Security Trainings

Many large employers offer network security trainings for employees that work from home. Take these network security trainings to educate yourself about the best ways to keep your network safe, and to stay up to date on the latest scams that hackers are using to infiltrate large systems.

Network security trainings are often updated regularly, as the world of cyber security is updated regularly. Take network security trainings annually to stay informed. 

Rely on a Secure Business Communication System

If you're a business owner working from home and doing your best to keep your network secure, find a business communication company that prioritizes security. At ATSI Business Communication Systems, we help business owners like you stay in touch with partners, stakeholders, clients and customers all while staying secure. Contact us to find out more.