Cyber Security tips when working from home

Working from home can present cyber security challenges

As a key measure to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, many of us are now working from home. However this can present cyber security challenges, particularly if it is the first time you are working remotely.

In the workplace, people are often able to rely on their organisation’s cyber security to help keep them safe online. As we move to the home environment, we can’t always pay the same attention to the cyber security of our personal devices.

Sadly, people working from home have become targets for cybercriminals, so it’s more important than ever for staff to be careful and take action to protect their work and household’s cyber security.

Cybercriminals see a crisis as an opportunity. Major change brings disruption, and business transitioning to working from home arrangements can be an attractive target.

Be aware that the COVID-19 pandemic will be used by cybercriminals to try to scam people out of their money, data and to gain access to systems. While working from home you should:

• Exercise critical thinking and vigilance when you receive phone calls, messages and emails.
• Exercise caution in opening messages, attachments, or clicking on links from unknown senders.
• Be wary of any requests for personal details, passwords or bank details, particularly if the message conveys a sense of urgency.
• If in doubt of the communicator’s identity, delay any immediate action. Re-establish communication later using contact methods that you have sourced yourself.