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With the new age of technology, there are numerous threats to yourself and your online identity lurking all over the place. While your workplace may be safer than, say, a public coffee shop, you still run the risk of getting your data and information stolen. Not every office has the most up-to-date systems in place to protect you, and it can sometimes be tough to determine how secure an office's digital security system actually is. With employees starting to return to the workplace after a year at home, now is the best time to start thinking about how you can protect yourself, your information, and your identity while you're at work. Hackers are everywhere and identity theft is rampant, so consider these tips to ensure your safety and feel good about going back into the office.
Protect Your Passwords
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself, and also one of the things that people do the least, is to protect your passwords. There are a few different ways you can do this. The first is by using passwordless authentication, which will log you into your accounts safely without having to type in a password. When you use passwordless authentication, you don't have to save all of your passwords online somewhere where they can be found by someone with bad intentions. A couple of other ways to protect your passwords are by changing them frequently and using a different password for each site you have to log in to. You will need to keep all of these passwords in a safe place of course and be able to remember them while changing them frequently. This can be time-consuming but is the next best option to using passwordless authentication in the workplace.
Only Use Company WiFi
When you open up your smartphone or computer, it can be easy to accidentally use the wrong WiFi. Your company has its own WiFi for a reason, and it should be well-protected. If your company does not at least require a WPA2 password to log in, talk to your IT department and let them know that you would feel more comfortable if there were more barriers to entry on your company's internet access. Most offices, however, do require a password to log on, and this is for a reason. By only using your company's WiFi, and not that of a nearby building, you are protecting yourself and your data.
Consider Using a VPN
An easy way to protect your online activity is by using a VPN. While many use these in public places and in the home, it is a great way to protect yourself while in the workplace. VPNs, or virtual private networks, make it much more difficult to track your online activity and can anonymize your internet use.
Put Away Your Technology
When you're at the office, you never know who may have access to your workspace. When you're not at your desk, consider locking up or hiding your personal electronics. There is a lot of data that can be taken directly from your devices, and of course, theft is a real problem as well. By making sure all of your devices are hidden and locked away, you are reducing the chances of them getting stolen, as well as the potential threats to your data and information that can come with that.
As workers begin to return to the office, it is time to start thinking more seriously about digital safety and security in the workplace. While this is something that many companies have been working on for a while, with today's advanced technology, it should be of utmost priority. When you return to your office, feel good knowing that your passwords are protected, your IP address is protected, and all of your personal information and data is protected as well by using these accessible tips that are easy for the average person to integrate into their life.
Related: How to Secure Data in the Workplace