Cyber Hygiene Tips for Remote Workers
Introduction
Remote work has become a daily reality for many organizations, bringing both flexibility and new security risks. When employees operate outside of protected office networks, the chances of sensitive data falling into the wrong hands or work processes being disrupted increase significantly. That’s why cyber hygiene, a set of everyday security habits, is especially important for remote workers. In this article, we outline four key tips for maintaining strong cyber hygiene while working from home.
1. Use a VPN
When working remotely, it’s essential to use your company’s VPN (Virtual Private Network). Working outside the office often involves connecting to Wi-Fi networks and other connections that may not always be securely configured. A VPN protects your network traffic from malicious interception by encrypting it with an additional layer of security.
VPNs aren’t only useful for personal safety. Because they create a secure “tunnel” to your employer’s internal network, they also enable you to access internal services and files remotely and without the need to expose these assets to the public internet.
2. Don’t User Work Devices for Personal Activities
If you primarily use your work laptop at home, it’s easy to start using it for non-work-related tasks. However, this can introduce security risks, complicate your workflow, and blur the line between personal and professional life. Check with your IT department or review your organization’s information security policy to understand the permitted use of your work device. Installing unverified software or changing important configurations can increase the risk of malware infection.
3. Secure Your Home Network
Home network security is critical in remote work, as it’s often the only line of defense between your employer’s systems and sensitive information. Unlike office networks, home networks typically lack professional-grade security measures, making them more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
If your home network isn’t properly secured, malicious actors could gain access to your work devices, emails, files, or even internal company systems. This can lead to data leaks, ransomware attacks, or serious workflow disruptions. The risk is especially high for employees who handle client data or use cloud-based solutions.
In addition to technical risks, an unsecured network can raise trust issues as it calls into question the employee’s ability to follow company information security principles. A secure home network not only protects your work devices but also your and your family’s personal devices.
Read more about how to secure your home network from our previous article.
4. Review Your Company’s Remote Work Policy
Following your organization’s remote work policy is a vital part of cyber hygiene and professional responsibility. These policies are created to protect data, systems, and client information, regardless of where employees are physically located. Ignoring these guidelines can compromise the security of the entire organization.
Many employees may not be fully aware of the specific requirements or technical solutions their employer mandates for remote work. For example, a policy might require the use of specific devices, VPN connections, regularly updated software, or storing data in designated cloud services.
If employees don’t understand or correctly follow these rules, it can leave the organization vulnerable to attacks, data breaches, or internal violations. That’s why every remote worker should familiarize themselves with and understand their company’s remote work and information security policies. It’s not just a formality, but a shared responsibility for the organization’s digital safety.