It is a fact that the remote work came to stay, but have you ever thought about the cybersecurity risks that a home-office bring? A home-office is an extension of the company, in it circulates various information, most of which is confidential, so you must be cautious with its security.

The object here is not transform your home-office into a fortress, but take simple and very effective measures to prevent an attack and consequently a resignation.

We can break these measures down in three fields:

Network Security
Devices Security
Education and Behavior

Network Security

First of all, it’s important to understand some basic network concepts in order to recognize the risks and learn how to protect yourself.
In a typical home network, all connected devices can see what is transmitted across the network. This means that if an untrusted device gains access, it may be able to intercept sensitive data.
Now that the fundamentals of network behavior are clear, let's move on to how you can protect yourself.

Protect Your Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is the most common way an attacker can access your network without physically connecting to your router or switch. That’s why securing your Wi-Fi is essential. Below are some key protective measures:

Change the network name (SSID): The default name usually reflects the router/switch model, which can make attacks easier.
Use a strong password: Use numbers, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters.
Control connected devices: Use a network scan to identify the devices connected and remove the unknown devices.
Disable WPS: The WPS facilitates the connections process, however its also facilitates the connections of attackers.

TIP: Avoid public connections. In public networks any user can see the information transmitted in the networks, so avoid as much as possible use it. But if you have no other option, use a VPN to reduce the risk.

Device Security

To keep your work environment secure, it’s essential to ensure that all devices are properly configured and maintained. Here are some best practices:

Keep your operating system and applications up to date: Regular updates fix known vulnerabilities and improve security.
Use reliable antivirus and anti-malware software: Choose well-reviewed solutions and keep them updated.
Separate personal and professional use: Avoid mixing work-related files or tools with personal activities on the same device.
Disable unnecessary connections: Turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or file-sharing features when not in use to reduce your exposure.
Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of protection in case your credentials are compromised.

TIP: To make it easier to create strong, unique passwords, and remember them, use a password manager.

Education and Behavior

Threats are constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay informed about the most recent attack techniques in order to protect yourself.

This includes:

Recognizing phishing and social engineering: Learn to spot fake emails, suspicious links, and impersonation attempts.
Avoiding unknown flash drives: Never plug in USB devices from unknown or untrusted sources.
Being cautious with pirated or dubious software: These can contain malware or backdoors.
Backing up your data regularly: Ensure backups are secure and up to date.
Avoiding the storage of sensitive documents without encryption: Use encryption tools to protect confidential files

Conclusion

You do not need to be a cybersecurity specialist to create a secure home office. In most cases, just a few basic measures are enough to keep your data and devices protected.
Of course, if you want to go further, there are many advanced practices beyond what I’ve covered here. But in my opinion, these tips are sufficient for most people working from home.

Home Office Cybersecurity