Securing Your Home Office: Essential Tips for Cyber Safety
In recent years, working from home has transitioned from being a rare privilege to a standard practice in many industries, especially in Sweden. As Rickard Widerberg, head of product development at Telenor, emphasizes, mobile work is now prevalent, bringing both benefits and potential risks, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity.
A significant concern arises when we consider that many individuals have not prioritized the security of their home networks. While businesses may invest heavily in secure Wi-Fi solutions, the average home often relies on a standard router with minimal password protection. Andreas Kristensson, sales manager at Telenor, points out that simply changing the default password on a router is not enough. Many homeowners remain unaware of the vulnerabilities associated with connecting multiple smart devices, like robot vacuum cleaners and smart lighting systems, that can be exploited by hackers.
This naiveté can have grave consequences. Every time a smart device requires an internet connection, the device manufacturer must be given access to the Wi-Fi password. If that service provider is compromised, personal data could become accessible to cybercriminals. The motivations behind cyberattacks vary, with some aimed at financial gain and others targeting sensitive corporate information. Higher-level employees often have access to more critical documents, making them potential targets for those looking to exploit their companies.
In light of these ever-evolving threats, Widerberg recommends companies consider switching to secure 5G connections. Telenor’s innovative 5G Office Connect service offers reliable connectivity and a seamless experience, ensuring users remain within a company’s secure IT environment, irrespective of their physical location. "It’s like having an invisible LAN cable connected to your computer wherever you are — no connection drops as you navigated between different environments," he explains. Even for those not yet enjoying 5G coverage at home, Telenor’s 5G services can still function on existing 4G networks.
To help enhance cybersecurity at home, Widerberg and Kristensson advise individuals to adopt the following practices: 1. Avoid connecting to unknown Wi-Fi networks. 2. Utilize two-factor authentication where possible. 3. Ensure router passwords are complex and not easily guessable. 4. Use company-provided 5G services like 5G Office Connect instead of standard Wi-Fi connections, when available. 5. If travelling without 5G access on laptops, consider tethering to a smartphone as a safer alternative to public Wi-Fi.
As we advance towards a more flexible work culture, prioritizing cybersecurity in home office setups is crucial. By employing these strategies and utilizing reliable technologies, individuals and businesses alike can protect themselves against potential cyber threats.
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