For some, working from home is much more productive than commuting to the office. But without the security infrastructure found in a physical building, it’s critical to know how to secure your home wireless network for teleworking. Without the proper precautions, data breaches, unauthorized access to your information, device compromise and other cyber threats pose a risk to you and your organization. Here are some tips to protect your data and privacy when teleworking.
Cyberattacks and Common Threats
With the rise in remote work, the threat of cyberattacks has grown. Hackers use social engineering, phishing, malware and ransomware to gain access to your sensitive personal and work-related data.
Phishing is the most common type of cyberattack. Potential victims receive a text message or email from what appears to be a reputable source, such as their bank, that entices the user to share sensitive information, download an attachment that contains malware or click to a malicious website. Securing your home network helps block these attempts to gain control of your devices and individual and professional information.
Steps to Secure Your Home Wireless Network
Change Default Router Settings
The first step you should take is changing default usernames and passwords. Many default router settings use common words and predictable number sequences and don’t include special characters. To create a strong password, use at least 12 characters and a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters such as !, @, #, $ and %.
Enable Strong Encryption
Changing your router’s encryption protocol to WPA3 gives you better protection against attacks compared to previous versions. Check your router’s settings to make sure it supports WPA3 and is activated. If it’s not, check your owner’s manual for the exact steps to enable it.
Set Up a Strong Wi-Fi Password
As with default router settings, Wi-Fi passwords come standard with common phrases and numbers. To increase your security, create a distinctive password using uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
Update Router Firmware Regularly
Your router is the gateway to your network. Completing firmware updates regularly ensures optimal security by installing new features that patch threats. Visit your router’s manufacturer’s support page on their website for a step-by-step guide to updating your firmware.
Enable a Network Firewall
Most routers come with a built-in firewall. For enhanced security, activate and configure your firewall settings to monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic to add another layer of protection. Your internet provider may also include advanced network security features.
Create a Guest Network
If your router allows it, creating a guest network limits access to your internet connection. Guest networks are separate from your main network and prevent visitors from accessing your sensitive information.
Disable Remote Management
Remote management allows you to access, view and change your router settings over the internet. If left enabled, it can be another point of entry for cybercriminals into your network. Unless you have a specific need for this feature, it’s best to disable it to prevent unauthorized access.
Use a VPN
Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection. This ensures your data remains confidential and secure, particularly when working on public Wi-Fi in a coffee shop, library or wherever you enjoy working away from home.
Store Files in the Cloud
Filing your documents in a secure cloud location rather than on your hard drive protects your data if your physical device is ever lost, stolen or damaged. SharePoint and OneDrive are the most common cloud servers that keep data available to you and your company if something happens to your computer.
Turn on 2FA/MFA
If possible, always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA). The verification process enhances your security by adding a form of authentication, such as a code sent to your smartphone. This will add an extra wall of protection against unauthorized access to your network.
Use Password Managers
To protect your personal and business passwords, use an encrypted password software that requires authentication to access your stored keys. Some of the most popular password managers are 1Password, Sticky Password and LastPass.
Securing Connected Devices
Device Security Best Practices
Your devices have many of the same settings as your router. Set a strong password, keep your software updated for the latest security features, enable firewalls, install antivirus software and run regular scans to identify potential threats. Make sure to activate any advanced network security features offered by your internet provider, such as anti-ransomware or blocked content alerts.
Regular Security Audits
Regularly monitoring network activity helps you stay aware of potential security threats and recognize unusual behavior. On your router’s manufacturer’s website, you should be able to access network monitoring tools to keep an eye on your device activity. Unauthorized access attempts, suspicious data transfers and other unusual behavior are signs your network has been compromised.
Don’t want to audit your device activity yourself? Use a third-party network monitoring software that provides advanced features for analyzing network traffic and detecting irregularities.
Work From Home with Confidence
Taking a proactive approach to home network security gives you maximum peace of mind when teleworking. Safeguarding valuable personal and work data protects not only yourself but your organization as well. Following these guidelines and best practices ensures a more productive, enjoyable experience while working from home.
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At Lumos, we understand the importance of fast, reliable and secure internet connectivity. When you combine the power of fiber with the protection of Lumos cybersecurity upgrades, your whole family can enjoy a better online experience.
Check for Lumos Fiber Internet near you and discover the latest in internet connectivity and security.
