COVID-19 Cyber Hygiene: Tips for Keeping Your Remote Working Environment Safe & Secure

Staying safe and healthy doesn’t just apply to you and your hands. As many of us move to remote work in response to the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to know how to keep our employees’ home work environments as secure and protected as our companies’ offices. Taking steps now to improve employee awareness and procedures can save headaches, costs and distraction related to breaches later. In this Anchin Alert, we will be sharing our tips for maintaining the best cyber hygiene in the wake of COVID-19 and all of the unprecedented challenges it has brought.

– Be cautious of COVID-19 scams in emails, fraudulent websites, phone calls, and social media.

– Beware of corona virus-themed phishing emails.

• Cybercriminals are sending phishing emails designed to impersonate medical professionals/advice, company emails about workplace policy, and government alerts
• Phishing emails lure you into clicking on a link and providing personal information

– Be cautious when using coronavirus-related websites and applications, such as:

• COVID-19 tracking map
• Fraudulent medical websites
• Attackers seeking funding or donations for “vaccine research”

– Be extra careful about online requests for important personal information, including:

• Usernames and passwords
• Credit card numbers
• Social security number
• Address and phone number

– When working remotely:

• Use company-issued devices and systems.
• Make sure all devices are up-to-date and running the latest versions of all software.
• Make sure your Wi-Fi network is secure.
  • Do not use open/free public Wi-Fi
  • Confirm your Wi-Fi requires a password
  • Increase the complexity of passwords
• Implement anti-virus software on personal devices.
• Secure personal computers and phones.
• Secure passwords and other data as you would in the office.

– The Cyber Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) encourages individuals to remain vigilant and take the following precautions:

• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails.
• Use trusted sources such as legitimate, government websites.
• Do not reveal personal or financial information via email.
• Verify a charity’s authenticity before making donations.

For more information, please contact your Anchin Relationship Partner.