In the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, a vast majority of us continue to work from home. Wherever possible, this arrangement may continue to be the norm for several more weeks or months. In light of this unprecedented and unplanned work routine, the risks of data breaches have gone up manifold. Although most organizations have invested in some form of data security or cybersecurity measures, their effectiveness in a large scale remote working environment is untested. What this means is that you may have to check whether your home office can battle data security threats the same way that your business or organization can. 

At Crown Information Management, we believe that addressing your home’s data liabilities will help you reduce the risk of identity theft and prevent you and your business from falling prey to a fraud or scam. Our information management experts offer useful tips to keep your home office safe from data breaches.

Key Steps to Combat Information Security Threats in your Home Office

Whether it is hacks, ransomware attacks, phishing scams, tax frauds, technical glitches, or human errors, there may be several instances that lead to loss of sensitive or confidential information while working from home. Consider some of these aspects to keep your home office data leak-proof and cyber-secure. 

Acknowledge the Risks: While corporate firewalls, secure file sharing platforms, and other sophisticated tools take care of information security in your workplace, at home you are on your own. Without the presence of robust corporate tools and measures, hackers can exploit your home’s Wi-Fi network for vulnerabilities, such as unpatched software, weak passwords or connected IoT devices. This means they can get access to your Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), or other critical corporate data, including financial reports, customer records, intellectual property (IP), and more.

Respect any Defined Remote Working Policies: If your employer or business has a formal work-from-home policy, respect the defined IT security protocols. Use the recommended communication platforms and secure file-sharing or file-storage measures. Familiarize yourself with any Virtual Private Network (VPN) requirements, policies, or procedures, wherever applicable. 

Take the Right Precautions:  Remain alert and detect potential hacks or scams before they threaten your personal or official information. 

• Beware of malicious cyber actors who may be targeting you with COVID-19 related scams or phishing emails. Remain vigilant when you receive any suspicious phone calls, emails, or messages.
• Use strong and unique passwords across multiple systems, and between personal and official records, accounts, or applications. 
• Implement multi-factor authentication to prevent unlawful access to your devices, online services and applications.
• Do not postpone any software security updates or patches.
• As far as possible, use work devices only for official purposes, and manage personal matters on your personal devices.

Safeguard Physical Records: In addition to keeping your online activities and digital files safe, take all the necessary precautions to protect your physical records from potential damage or theft. Amid the chaos of makeshift work desks, restless kids and curious pets do not leave your critical documents unattended. Manage your papers carefully, organize them in files or folders, and store them in a safe spot, preferably under lock and key.

At Crown Information Management, we provide a host of safe storage and secure destruction services to a range of small and large businesses across the state of Florida. As a SOC1, NAID AAA and PCI Certified company, we follow the highest standards of safety and security throughout the lifecycle of the records. Our clients count on our qualified information management professionals and skilled data destruction specialists to protect their businesses from a number of potential information security risks. 

Call 800-979-9545 or contact us online to learn more about our records management and destruction services.