Home Network Security

Network Security

What Is Work From Home (WFH)?

Work from home (WFH) refers to an employment setup where staff perform their duties from their homes rather than a company office. Employees use technology to connect with colleagues and access work resources, enabling productivity from remote locations.

What Is Work From Home (WFH)?
Importance of Cybersecurity in Remote Work
Key Concepts of WFH Security
6 Most Common Cybersecurity Risks in WFH
How to Work from Home Effectively
6 Best Practices for Securing Home Networks
WFH Tools & Resources
Create a Bulletproof Security Strategy with Perimeter81

Importance of Cybersecurity in Remote Work

Working remotely opens up new potential cyber threats.

In the last five years, remote working has skyrocketed by 44% – resulting in increased data breaches for companies. Home networks often have weaker security measures than corporate settings, making them attractive targets for malicious actors.

Unsecured devices, weak Wi-Fi passwords, and outdated software can expose sensitive company data. WFH organizations must prioritize cybersecurity to protect their digital assets, which can include adding:

Multi-factor authentication
Encrypted connections
Strong remote access policies

Remote workers need regular security awareness training to recognize and respond to potential threats at their home offices.

Key Concepts of WFH Security

WFH security intends to protect company data and systems when accessed remotely. Secure remote access is the foundation, often implemented through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or secure gateways.

These tools create encrypted connections between home networks and corporate resources, preventing information theft during transmission. Endpoint protection stands out in WFH setups.

Many companies install antivirus software, firewalls, and advanced threat detection tools to block malware and cyber attacks on employee devices.

Here are a few tips that help to prevent unauthorized access:

Strict access controls (including strong login methods)
Updating all devices and software
Installing antivirus software (firewall, advanced threat detection tools)

6 Most Common Cybersecurity Risks in WFH

Remote work introduces unique cybersecurity challenges for organizations and employees. Security infrastructure is often lacking in home environments, unlike traditional offices. Cybercriminals actively exploit these vulnerabilities.

72% of global respondents expressed concern about online security risks associated with remote work in a 2023 survey.

WFH faces these cyber security risks:

Unsecured Home networks Lead to Potential Data Breaches

Weak Wi-Fi security allows unauthorized access to sensitive company information transmitted over home networks.

Phishing Attacks Exploit Human Vulnerabilities for Data Theft

Deceptive emails or messages trick employees into revealing confidential information or granting system access.

Personal Device Usage Introduces Uncontrolled Security Variables

Work-related activities on personal devices may lack necessary security measures, creating potential vulnerabilities.

Video Conferencing Platforms Risk Confidential Discussions

Inadequately protected virtual meetings are susceptible to eavesdropping or unauthorized access by malicious actors.

Weak Password Practices Compromise Account Security

Reused or easily guessable passwords across multiple accounts simplify unauthorized access for cybercriminals.

Insider Threats Pose Significant Risks to Data Integrity

Disgruntled or careless employees may intentionally or accidentally cause data breaches or system compromises.

Supercharge Your Business Security

Request Demo

Start Now

How to Work from Home Effectively

Working from home effectively requires a blend of discipline, organization, and smart habits. With 65% of workers wanting to work remotely full-time, mastering these skills has become increasingly important.

Having a dedicated workspace helps you separate your professional and personal lives. Here are some strategies to enhance your WFH experience:

Have a Dedicated Workspace

Set up a specific area for work, separating professional and personal spaces to enhance concentration and productivity.

Use Reliable Technology

Invest in a fast internet connection, necessary software, and quality hardware to facilitate smooth remote collaboration.

Build a Structured Schedule

Establish fixed work hours, wake up early, and create daily to-do lists to prioritize tasks effectively.

Minimize Distractions

Use noise-canceling headphones, close non-work browser tabs, and communicate boundaries to household members.

Strategically Manage Tasks

Identify peak productivity hours and tackle challenging tasks during these periods for optimal performance.

Engage with Colleagues Actively

Stay connected through virtual meetings and messaging platforms to maintain strong professional relationships.

6 Best Practices for Securing Home Networks

Boost your network security with these best practices:

Use Fortified Wi-Fi Connections

Implement WPA3 or WPA2 encryption, create strong passwords, and set up network isolation for primary devices, guests, and IoT gadgets.

Implement Robust Firewall Protection

Enable the router’s built-in firewall to filter incoming traffic, block unauthorized access attempts, and monitor network activity.

Get Consistent Router Firmware Updates

Regularly check for and install firmware updates, enabling automatic options when available for continuous protection.

Maximize Password Policies

Use complex, unique passwords for all devices and accounts, considering a password manager for generation and secure storage.

Have Regular Device Updates

Install updates for all devices including computers, smartphones, and IoT gadgets, enabling automatic updates when possible.

Leverage Household Cybersecurity Education

Educate all users about online safety, avoiding suspicious links, using secure websites, and recognizing phishing attempts.

Supercharge Your Business Security

Request Demo

Start Now

WFH Tools & Resources

Remote work requires various digital tools to maintain productivity and security. These resources help employees stay connected, manage tasks, and protect sensitive information while working from home.

Enhance your remote work setup with these work from home solutions:

Communication Platforms

Use Slack or Microsoft Teams for instant messaging, file sharing, and video calls to keep teams connected and aligned.

Project Management Software

Implement Monday or Asana to track projects, assign tasks, and monitor deadlines across remote teams.

Cloud storage Services

Get Google Drive or Dropbox for easy access to documents, collaborative editing, and secure file storage.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Deploy VPNs to create encrypted tunnels for internet traffic, protecting sensitive data from potential cyber threats.

Time Management Apps

Use RescueTime or Toggl to track time spent on tasks, identify inefficiencies, and improve work habits.

Create a Bulletproof Security Strategy with Perimeter81

Work from home arrangements present unique cybersecurity challenges for organizations. Perimeter81 tackles these challenges with the Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution, enforcing strict access controls.

The platform allows only authenticated users and devices to access your network resources.

Perimeter81 strengthens security through network micro-segmentation, isolating critical data and applications. When employee devices face compromise in remote settings, their access remains restricted, limiting potential damage to organizational systems.

WFH FAQs

What does WFH mean?

WFH stands for “Work from Home.” It’s an acronym commonly used in business communications to refer to employees performing their job duties from their residence instead of a traditional office.

What is it called when you work from home?

Working from home is often called remote work or telecommuting. These terms describe arrangements where employees perform their job duties outside of a central office location.

What is the meaning of a work-from-home day?

A work-from-home day is when an employee carries out their job responsibilities from their residence rather than commuting to an office. Companies may designate specific days for remote work or allow flexible arrangements.

How do you say “work from home” professionally?

Professional terms for working from home include “remote work,” “telework,” or “telecommuting.” When discussing this arrangement in a business setting, you might say, “I work remotely” or “My position allows for telecommuting.”

What is another word for work from home?

Common “work from home” alternatives include remote work, telework, and telecommuting. These terms all describe performing job duties from a location other than a central office.

Do you have more questions? Let’s Book a Demo