Work environments and habits have changed drastically in the last two years, with many people now based predominantly at home. Whether in or out of the office, it’s essential that all-important security protocols are adhered to. It’s an area of particular expertise for cybersecurity expert Paul Delacourt.
Delacourt is a successful director of programs for a leading technology transformation company based in Chantilly, Virginia. With working from home now the norm in many industries, the cybersecurity expert is keen to share his knowledge with those who work remotely.
Now more so than ever, the program director says it’s of the utmost importance to appreciate the risks posed by cybersecurity threats. Accordingly, he’s put together a trio of tips focused on maintaining optimum security when out of the office.
Tip #1: Secure physical devices
Cybersecurity expert Paul Delacourt offers his first tip that involves a focus on devices. Often, cybersecurity is viewed as an online-only concern. However, optimum security starts with endpoints – physical desktops, laptops, tablets, phones, and other internet-connected devices.
Delacourt recommends checking that basic security provisions, including automatic locking, are enabled. It’s something that the expert says is often overlooked. Yet, where a device is misplaced or happened upon by an unknown third party, it can be central to safeguarding confidential work information and other data, as well as access.
Accordingly, any laptop, tablet, or phone should be set to lock automatically when not in use. Easily unlocked by their owners with a password or PIN, for example, Paul Delacourt suggests setting these and other devices to lock almost immediately when not used to ensure maximum security while working from home.
Tip #2: Use a VPN
Paul Delacourt’s second tip addresses the possibility of unencrypted data leaking when accessed online. The cybersecurity expert advises always using a virtual private network or VPN to prevent this. VPNs allow those who work remotely to secure their data easily. That’s true whether connecting to the internet at home, in transit or when using public Wi-Fi..
Virtual private networks are also helpful when browsing the internet more generally. However, they should now be seen as a must-have when remotely connecting to any work-related networks. That, Delacourt stresses, is because cybersecurity is a more significant risk to businesses in 2022 than ever. VPNs are an excellent first line of defense in this regard as they provide a layer of security even in serious Wi-Fi breaches. At the same time, Paul Delacourt points out that virtual private networks only safeguard data that’s being transferred. As such, it’s also a good idea to secure any home Wi-Fi networks to further protect connected physical devices themselves from intrusion.
Tip #3: Utilize multi-factor authentication
Lastly, Paul Delacourt wraps up these fundamental cybersecurity tips for working from home with a closer look at multi-factor authentication. Second, only to proper password hygiene, Delacourt recommends utilizing two-factor authentication wherever available.
Now critical for any important accounts, it’s a fundamental process in the fight against cybersecurity threats. Two-factor and even more secure multi-factor authentication can also help alleviate existing password security worries.
For more from Paul Delacourt, head to PaulDelacourt.com or connect with the cybersecurity expert on social media.