As COVID-19 turns 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.

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. Set strong passwords
   Secure your work device with strong passwords, consider using a password manager.
   
   
5. 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.
   
   
6. Connect via VPN
   Always connect through a VPN to ensure your internet connection is encrypted and your information and online activity are secure.
   
   
7. 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.
   
   
8. Secure Wi-Fi access points
   Verify wireless routers use WPA2 and ensure they’re protected with strong passwords.
   
   
9. Be aware of COVID-19 phishing attacks
   Organized crime groups are exploiting our concerns over COVID-19 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 a cure or test for the virus, or scarce items
        — Demand action with a threat or time imperative
        — Ask for charitable donation via unusual channels
   
   
10. 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.