Tuesday's Tip #73: Security Tips for Remote Workers

cyber security security Jun 15, 2021

Is Security Different when you're Working Remotely?

If you're like many people you have either transitioned to working remotely at least part of the time. Whether you're at home, on a beach, or logging in from the cabin, there are some different things to be aware when working remotely.

Using Public Wi-Fi

If you are logging in on a public Wi-Fi, you should be careful not to transmit private data. This would include things like credit card numbers, social security numbers and other similar data that could be used to steal your identity or money.

A public Wi-Fi network is inherently less secure than your personal, private one, because you don't know who set it up, or who else is connecting to it. Ideally, you wouldn't ever have to use it; better to use your smartphone as a hotspot instead.

Scanning for Wi-Fi and AirDrop

Often times your phones, tablets and laptops can be set to automatically scan for and connect to public Wi-Fi. This can be turned off. When you're on a public network around strangers, you'll want to cut off the features that enable frictionless file sharing on your devices. On a PC, that means going to Network and Sharing Center, then Change advanced sharing settings, then Turn off file and printer sharing. For Macs, go to System Preferences, then Sharing, and unselect everything. Then head to Finder, click on AirDrop, and select Allow me to be discovered by: No One. For iOS, just find AirDrop in the Control Center and turn it off. And voila!. No one nearby can grab your files, or send you one you don't want.

Securely Transferring Files

If you are using public Wi-Fi, rather than sending files via email - you should use some type of encryption. This could be a file sharing app or you could use Outlook's automatic file encryption feature. There are lots of familiar ways to do this using commonly used apps like OneDrive, iCloud, Google Drive, WeTransfer, or DropBox. Read more about it here.

Encrypting Messages using Outlook

Encrypt a single message

In message that you are composing, click File > Properties.
Click Security Settings, and then select the Encrypt message contents and attachments check box.
Compose your message, and then click Send.

Encrypt all outgoing messages

When you choose to encrypt all outgoing messages by default, you can write and send messages the same as with any other messages, but all potential recipients must have your digital ID to decode or view your messages.

On the File tab. choose Options >Trust Center > Trust Center Settings.
On the Email Security tab, under Encrypted email, select the Encrypt contents and attachments for outgoing messages check box.
To change additional settings, such as choosing a specific certificate to use, click Settings.

More information can be found here.

Enabling Remote Wipe and Remote Delete

Phones can be easily setup that if they are lost, they can be remotely wiped. There is also software that can be installed so this can be done on computers too .