Walnut Creek, CA: How to Make Your Remote Work More Secure – Part 2

In Part 1 of this series on how to make your remote force more secure, we shared how important it is to keep your operating system and software up-to-date with the latest patches. And, we recommend purchasing a robust anti-virus/malware package to protect your local computer. Today, we discuss two ways to keep your Internet connection more secure. 

 Always Use the VPN Your Company Provides  

Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides an encrypted, secure passageway to communicate data between your company’s network and you. Using a VPN when working remotely adds another layer of security because it can make any public network private for the user. Some people view engaging the VPN as another annoying step; however it can protect your workplace’s network from an attack.  For example, a VPN can block a hackers’ attempt to intercept your data in transit, like when using a public Wi-Fi hotspot. The information you send online becomes unreadable to an interceptor because it is encrypted. 

Here is a tip when using a VPN: It is always crucial to use the VPN so always reconnect when you log on including when your return from breaks and lunches.  

 Turn Off Automatic Connections on Your Wi–Fi. 

Sometimes people connect to a specific Wi-Fi network so much they decide to “Connect Automatically” to that network. The problem is the bad guys can setup a portal with the same Wi-Fi network name and your computer may connect to it automatically, thinking it is safe. This is called Wi-Fi spoofing and is a popular way your computer can get hacked into. Wi-Fi spoofing usually occurs around public Wi-Fi networks at public locations such as hotels, airports, coffee shops, however it can occur anywhere. As far as making your remote work more secure, it is recommended to turn off all automatic connections on your Wi-Fi.  

Better yet, we recommend connecting the remote computers directly to the local router by a network cable if possible. The direct cable connection provides a faster and more secure connection than Wi-Fi connections. 

For Part 3 on “How to Make your Remote Work More Secure,” we will look more into why you should use a separate network while working remotely and the importance of locking your computer. 

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.