How to Securely Work From Home

With employees all around the nation still working from home, we need to remain extra cautious of security threats to our home network and devices. We encourage you to not only keep your work from home (WFH) workspace clean and organized, but also protected from security threats. The following are tips to help you securely work from home. 

Check the security of your home network and devices

Ensure that all of your home network connected devices (smartphones, tablets, computers, game consoles, smart TVs, and Internet of Things) are behind password protected gateways with network address translation (NAT) and firewall protection enabled. NAT hides your devices so people cannot see them on the Internet and firewalls limit network traffic and intrusions. Hackers can find machines directly connected to the internet within just one minute.

• If you are an altafiber customer, all configurations are set up securely by default. Moreover, altafiber offers products and services that provide additional layers of protection to your work from home environment (see last section below).
• If you are unsure about the security of your configuration, check your service provider's website for details.
• If you are using your own wireless device/router, ensure your passwords are at least 8 characters in length and made up of a mix of alphanumeric, numeric and special characters.
• Always change the non-unique default passwords that are set by the manufacturer on any home network or device.

Ensure home network connected devices are updated per vendor recommendations.

• Most devices will notify you when updates are available or will automatically update in the background. Those that don't, usually have a way to check and apply necessary updates (e.g. Smart TVs).
• Before you put an IoT (Internet of Things) device on your network, make sure the vendor has an update capability and that it can be configured securely. IoT devices are often in the crosshairs of hackers, so this is important.

Handle with care and declutter your workspace

In this hybrid/WFH environment, it is important to get used to managing the security of company equipment and other resources that we have in our homes. You can do this by keeping physical equipment and any confidential material in a secure part of your work from home location. Keeping sensitive, hard copies of data in a locked drawer or cabinet is also a good practice.

You should also treat your work computer like your briefcase and limit who can use it at home and never tinker with the security configurations on your company-issued laptop or computer. When not in use, lock or turn it off.

It can be difficult to keep your WFH space safe if it's not tidy. We encourage cleaning your space frequently, and investing in smart devices like an Echo Show to help minimize clutter on your desk. An Echo Show 10, sold at altafiber stores, can replace any to-do lists, alarms, lunchtime games, or picture frames on your desk!

Cybersecurity should be a priority to everyone, especially those who WFH and find themselves on the internet for majority of the day. For more information on how to stay safe on the internet, visit our security site at the button below.