As COVID-19 has turned working from home into the new normal, adapting and keeping a focus on cyber security in all settings is critical. Here’s what you can do to work from home more securely.
- Secure your environment
Try to designate a room as your home office, lock the door if you can. Ensure private conversations remain private by turning off Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Maintain a clear desk policy
Make certain all paper copies of sensitive information are stored out of sight and secure when not in use. If possible, shred when no longer needed.
- Lock screens
Lock screens when not in use and shut down devices when the working day is over. Don’t leave laptops in plain sight unattended.
- Set strong passwords
Secure your work device with strong passwords, consider using a password manager.
- Keep work and home devices separate
Don’t use work devices to download personal apps or conferencing tools without IT agreement. Be disciplined in using personal devices for personal internet browsing.
- Connect via VPN
Always connect through a VPN to ensure your internet connection is encrypted and your information and online activity are secure.
- Be aware of your privacy
Keep privacy screens on and be mindful of what’s in the background of your webcam. Confirm you know who’s attending your conference calls.
- Secure Wi-Fi access points
Verify wireless routers use WPA2 and ensure they’re protected with strong passwords.
- Be aware of phishing attacks
Organized crime groups are capitalizing on the disruption of the pandemic to target us for a range of scams. Look out for emails that:
— Start with a generic greeting like “Dear Colleague”
— Have poor grammar or spelling mistakes
— Solicit personal or financial details
— Offer scarce items
— Demand action with a threat or time imperative
— Ask for charitable donation via unusual channels
- What to do if you clicked on a suspicious link?
Don’t panic and follow these steps:
— Open your anti-virus software and run a full scan. Carefully follow any instructions given.
— Contact your IT department to talk you through what you need to do next.
— Change your password immediately if you were tricked into providing your password.
Connect with us
- Find office locations kpmg.findOfficeLocations
- Email us kpmg.emailUs
- Social media @ KPMG kpmg.socialMedia
Want to do business with KPMG?
