When you work remotely, you rely on your computer and the internet. You need them to hold up, do the job you need to get done, and most importantly, have access to your employer or clients. Without all three of these things, you cannot successfully work. Protecting your laptop and investing in a strong internet connection is one thing, but if you do not protect your data and your connections, then you are just at risk. You could lose access to your work, have yours or your client’s data stolen, and so much more. You need to stay safe and protect yourself from cybercrime by following these key steps:

Be Aware of Where You Are on the Internet

The first step for anyone is to go through and find old accounts. These old accounts – especially if they are located on sites that have since been abandoned – pose a huge security risk. Hacking into their databases is easy, as their security systems will be extremely outdated. If you used the same login credentials for that account as you do for, say, your Facebook account, then hackers could potentially gain more sensitive data that they can exploit. Knowing your mother’s maiden name might not seem like a big deal until you realize it’s a security question on your online banking account.

Have Unique Passwords for Every Account

To minimize the spread of the attack, try always to use unique passwords. At the very least, have unique passwords for the most important accounts. Your social media, online banking, government accounts, and business logins should all be difficult to guess (containing letters, numbers, symbols,and capitals) and should all be unique.

Be On Top of Hacking News

By being on top of hackingnews, you can know if you have been affected and if you need to change a password and reset logins or not. If you haven’t been affected, then at the very least you can know what to look out for in regards to phishing scams or other viruses.

Use Security Measures

Finally, ensure you are using these top security measures (at least):

• Antivirus software

Antivirus software acts as a partner to your firewall. It will help block and contain any recognized viruses from harming your computer and data. Get into the habit of regularly scanning your system to pick up anything that the system itself might have missed.

• VPN

The best way to protect yourself when surfing online is to use a VPN. Virtual private networks are easy to use and can help you stop programs and individuals from tracking your movements online. Getting a SonicWall VPN will allow you to connect securely into your own home network using IPSec or SSL. This makes the passing of information safe and secure – two key traits to successfully working remotely.

Working remotely is very freeing, but it can also be a huge risk unless you adequately prepare yourself and your cyber defenses. Learn all you can about viruses, malware, and hacking tactics so that you can protect yourself from them and minimize the damage to your personal and professional lives.