Cyber security tips for remote workers

As more employees work from home, cyber security is now all the more important for businesses and employees. UK businesses have lost over £6.2 million to cyber scams over the past year with a 31% increase in cases during the height of the pandemic.

While working from home has many benefits, it also exposes both individuals and businesses to a range of cybersecurity risks. We’ve put together some tips to help keep your activities online secure whilst working remotely.

Beware of phishing emails

Cyber security criminals are using the Coronavirus outbreak to send fake spam emails with fake links to employees. The email messages may appear to come from company officials and might ask you to open a link to a new company policy related to the coronavirus. If you click on the attachment or link, you’re likely to download malware onto your device. Don’t follow these links, immediately report the phishing attempt to your employer.

Wifi-Systems

Most WiFi systems at home these days are secure. However, when outside the home, employees should be aware that unsecured public Wi-Fi networks in restaurants and public spaces are prime spots for malicious parties to spy on internet traffic and collect confidential information.

VPN

Employees working remotely should use a VPN. A VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic making it unreadable to anyone who intercepts it. Make sure employees exclusively use the VPN when working and when accessing company information systems remotely. This will ensure all your data is secured and not at threat of a cyber security breach.

Avoid USB Sticks

To protect your cyber security ensure your business and employees don’t use USB sticks. There have been many examples of such devices being infected with malware. If an employee misplaces a memory stick, confidential data could end up in the wrong hands so it is vital to ensure employees know these pose a risk to security and should be avoided at all costs.

Leaving your device? Lock it

Last by not least, locking your computer is a basic but easy to forget step. Even if you are stepping away for a second, make locking your device part of your routine before leaving the desk. This will be beneficial when returning to the office.

Reward and Recognition

As more and more businesses are working remotely, it’s vital important to keep employees happy and motivated.

Each Person is an employee reward scheme that ensures employees feel appreciated and valued. We help businesses provide perks at work for their employees by showing them appreciation in a positive and engaging way.

Ecards are a fantastic way to send a motivating message to a colleague and say thank you for your hard work. Each Person ecards can be personalised to meet your company’s branding and ethos making it all the more personal. Alternatively, we offer employee vouchers that people can use across a range of online retailers.

To find out more about how Each Person can improve your rewards and recognition scheme, visit eachperson.com or contact us at info@eachperson.com.