Maintaining Confidentiality While Working Remotely

As businesses increasingly allow employees to work remotely, it becomes more important than ever to be aware of the risks and precautions that need to be taken when sharing sensitive information. Whether you’re working from home or on a coffee shop’s Wi-Fi network, there are steps you can take to ensure that your confidential data remains out of reach of prying eyes. In this blog post, we’ll outline some of the best practices for keeping your information private while working remotely.

Use Secure Passwords and Change Them Regularly

It’s no secret that password security is important. But with so many different passwords to keep track of, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are a few tips to help you create secure passwords and change them on a regular basis:

  • Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols in your password. The more characters you use, the stronger your password will be.
  • Avoid using dictionary words or easily guessed phrases in your password. Hackers can use these to quickly guess your password.
  • Change your password regularly. This helps to ensure that even if a hacker does manage to guess your password, they won’t be able to use it for long.
  • Store your passwords in a secure location. A password manager can help you to do this easily and securely.

In today’s digital world, it’s important to be careful about what you open and click on. Avoid opening unknown emails or clicking on links from unknown sources, as they could contain malware or viruses. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and delete any suspicious emails without opening them.

If you’re not sure whether an email is safe, you can always contact the sender to confirm before opening it. When it comes to links, only click on ones that come from trusted sources. If you’re unsure about a link, you can hover over it to see where it goes before clicking. These simple precautions can help keep you and your devices safe from harm.

Use Approved Devices and Networks Only

Only accessing company information from approved devices and networks is a best practice to ensure data confidentiality. Organizations should provide employees with approved devices that have security protocols in place and are regularly updated. In addition, companies should encourage the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) when connecting to the internet from approved devices. This will help to protect data in transit and keep it confidential. By taking these steps, businesses can help to ensure that their confidential information remains safe and secure.

Before Disposing of Confidential Documents, Shred Them

Any businesses that handle confidential information should have a shredding policy in place – and that policy should extend to home offices. With more and more employees working remotely, it’s important to make sure that all documents containing confidential information are properly destroyed before they’re discarded. Shredding is one of the best ways to protect confidential information, and it’s a practice that all businesses should adopt.

Shredding not only helps to prevent accidental disclosure but also makes it much harder for criminals to access sensitive data. To make sure your business is shredding correctly, consider using a professional shredding service. Proshred® has years of experience in shredding confidential documents, and we can help you develop a shredding policy that meets your organization’s needs. Contact us today to learn more about our home office shredding services.

Keep Your Anti-virus Software up to Date

While the work-from-home movement has many benefits, it’s important to keep in mind that it also comes with its fair share of risks. One of the most important things businesses can do to protect their confidential data is to make sure that all employees have up-to-date anti-virus software installed on their computers. In addition, it’s a good idea to periodically run scans and install updates as they become available. Another important precaution is to set up a firewall to help keep unauthorized users from accessing the network.

Beware of Your Surroundings When Discussing Work in Public

Working in public places can be a great way to get out of the house and get some fresh air. However, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take steps to protect your company’s confidential information. When discussing company business, be mindful of who might be able to overhear you. Avoid discussing sensitive topics in loud or crowded places. If possible, find a private room or outdoor area where you can have a conversation without worrying about being overheard. Additionally, take care not to leave any confidential documents or materials out in public view. Keep them close by and out of sight when you’re not using them.

Report Any Suspicious Activity or Breaches Immediately.

In today’s business landscape, it’s more important than ever to be proactive about security. With so many employees working remotely, there’s an increased risk of confidential information being accessed outside of the office. That’s why it’s essential to report any suspicious activity or breaches immediately. By doing so, you can help to prevent further damage and mitigate the risks associated with having sensitive data accessible online.

Some best practices for reporting suspicious activity include:

  • Keeping a detailed log of all activities, including dates, times, and descriptions of the incident.
  • Taking screenshots or saving copies of any relevant materials
  • Contacting your IT department or security team immediately

 

By following these guidelines, you can help to ensure that your business is as protected as possible. So don’t wait – if you see something suspicious, report it right away.

For more information on our shredding services, contact us today with our online form or call us at 1-952-666-6036.