Make Sure All Your Computer Software Is Up to Date.
This is especially true if you are working from home. Updating your software can be a time-consuming task, however it is worth it. Cyber criminals often hack into out of date software because it is an easy target. Once they get into your computer, they can disable your anti-virus software and cause all kinds of harm. Confirm all applications you use like your internet browser, Adobe® and any Microsoft products are updated to the latest versions. Normally you will get a pop-up window that lets you know there are updates available. If not, you can always check in the settings if you are using a Windows OS. For Mac OS, check the Apple App store.
If you are using a personal computer, make sure all the software programs on that computer are also up to date. Many software programs will need patches installed every now and then. If you have old programs that you or your family no longer use, it is best to remove them all together. Programs that are not used usually are not being updated or patched regularly. This of course makes them vulnerable to hackers.
Confirm You Have Updated Anti-Virus/Malware Installed.
A second crucial step is to have a robust security installed. Most free anti-virus/malware are not very helpful. The purpose of anti-virus/malware programs is to find viruses and block them from your computer. Since new versions of computer viruses and malware are created daily, the free programs just can’t keep up.
If you are using a personal home computer and do not have anti-virus/malware programs (paid programs), talk to your company’s IT support. They can install company approved security software while you work remotely.
For Part 2 on “How to Make your Remote Work More Secure,” we will discuss why you should always use the VPN your company provides and why you should turn off automatic connections on your Wi-Fi.
Cantrell’s Computer Sales & Service can help your make your remote work secure and stress-free. A perfect starting point is to have Cantrell’s Computer Sales & Service complete an inexpensive risk assessment that will identify security and data vulnerabilities. For peace of mind, call Cantrell’s today: 925. 827. 1200.