The work in home office It was already a trend, but given the global crisis caused by the new coronavirus pandemic, this model has become even more common, mainly with the aim of keeping people safe.

Covid-19, the disease caused by this virus, is poorly understood, therefore there is still no vaccine to immunize people and contain the contagion. Furthermore, there is no specific and effective treatment, only care to alleviate the symptoms.

Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that the contagion rate is very high due to the ease of transmission. To contract the disease, one only needs to come into contact with contaminated surfaces or other sick people.

Given this context, some actions help to prevent the spread of the virus and the contamination of more people, for example:

• Sanitization of hands;
• Cleaning objects;
• Surface sanitization;
• Avoid contact with the public.

Among the forms of care, the most effective prevention is social distancing, avoiding public places where there is a flow of people, that is, staying at home. This situation has led to some activities being relocated to the home environment.

Several courses and schools have adopted the distance learning system, and similarly, many companies have transferred employees' activities to their homes, according to the possibilities of each role.

Os accounting servicesFor example, tasks can be performed remotely without any detriment. But working from home runs into the challenge of... Information Security, especially with regard to positions of this type.

Why is information security a challenge?

To understand the real difficulty of handling data within a home environment, it's necessary to understand how a corporate work environment functions. When a person works in person, they must follow the rules of the workplace. 

These criteria involve a network infrastructure Security measures that block websites and domains considered a risk to the institution's system are also common, and many companies prohibit the use of mobile devices on their premises. 

Generally, the physical space where the firm is located also monitors access to ensure the integrity of the institution's information. To this end, it relies on the services of a... electronic security company.

At home, there aren't as many preventative measures and resources available to ensure the protection of accessible business data. Therefore, the ideal workplace will always be the company itself, which is why even more care is needed when working from home.

How to keep data secure when working from home.

Protecting the information that an employee accesses in their home environment is a major challenge. But it's possible to overcome this situation by following some tips to keep the data more secure.

Set up passwords

An employee's access password is their gateway to the company's data system. It should be carefully and thoughtfully designed. The stronger it is, the better. This is the first and foremost way to protect the information the person has access to.

It is important that this password is not a obvious combinationIt is also necessary for the employee to reset their profile, changing it regularly.

Install a good antivirus

Antivirus software is very important for protecting your computer from malicious access, even if it's for personal use. In the case of a work computer, this prevention becomes essential to avoid serious problems. 

It's important to remember that the company's system integrates data from customers, suppliers, partners, and confidential legal information.

The firm can hire PLC suppliers (Programmable logic controller) to automate processes. This feature optimizes and facilitates the organization of administration, but centralizing data can leave it vulnerable in a home environment. 

Therefore, using antivirus software on the computer where work is performed is essential to ensure this type of security.

Use VPN

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network; in practice, it means establishing a secure path between your personal computer at home and the company's server located at your physical location. 

This feature prevents intruders from accessing information transmitted through this route. If a person needs to access data stored on company servers, this is an ideal solution, but it's important to consider paid plans, which are more secure. 

Keep systems up to date

Another important tip is to keep your system and software updated, as each version corrects the errors of the previous one. This is a way to prevent attacks through potential system vulnerabilities.

In addition to solving problems, the new editions also bring functions and features to enhance the use of the program and further improve the user experience.

Avoid using external devices.

It's important to understand that, even though you're at home, during remote work that is your work environment, and the computer used for these activities should receive special care. This extra treatment includes keeping personal devices away.

In other words, flash drives, external hard drives, and even cell phone cables should not be connected to the computer used for work activities. This prevents accidentally corrupting important data.

In case of a document scanning company When sending files is necessary to process the order and perform the requested service, ideally this transfer should also be done online. This could be done via email, for example.

How to protect mobile devices

When discussing information security in a home office setting, it's crucial to remember the necessary precautions for mobile devices, not just computers. 

After all, some functions require a smartphone at some point. So, it's worth checking out tips for protecting the data stored on these devices.

Passwords

Just like with a computer, a cell phone password is also essential for keeping information secure. In this case, there's an advantage, as the user can configure the biometric authentication function.

This feature allows only the registered fingerprint to unlock the device and prevents third-party access. This way, information can be kept safe and protected from unauthorized individuals.

As companies providing industrial maintenance services They have integrated teams of employees, and often, meeting data or important reports can be accessed via email.

Furthermore, it's always good to share information about clients or partners among team members. But it's necessary to ensure that only the right people have access to it. Therefore, it's essential to take good care of your personal password.

Do not use root.

Rooting provides access to the device's original system to modify its factory settings. While some people do this to customize their device more nicely, it is strongly discouraged.  

This change also affects security features and compromises data saved on the phone. Therefore, anyone using their smartphone for business purposes should not root it.

This rule applies to employees in various roles, across institutions in various sectors. Including one recycling companyBecause it's a way to preserve information.

Set the settings

One advantage of using a smartphone for business purposes is that this device brings together the functionalities of a personal computer in the palm of your hand. In other words, it has the same features, but with much more convenience.

It is possible to configure the device and adapt it exactly according to the work that will be performed. If the person deals with tax and corporate consulting You can adjust your appointment schedule, for example.

Using the data cloud

The data cloud stores information on a virtual drive and keeps it protected. In case of physical problems with the device, this drive securely stores everything that was entered into it. This is a way to recover what is needed in case of loss.

This tip is very important because it's a preventative method that can even be used with an employee's personal files. Remember that a home network is less secure than a business network.

Final considerations

Information regarding business activities is confidential and fundamental, therefore it must be protected with great care. This data includes customer contact information, suppliers, partners, and legal data, for example.

Within an institutional setting, there are rules and methods for data protection that are very difficult to implement and apply in a home environment. Therefore, working from home naturally makes this data more vulnerable.

When an employee works from home, they need to navigate this situation and deal with the challenges posed by information security. Protecting the company's systems and ensuring the confidentiality of information is fundamental.

This text was originally developed by the blog team Investment Guide, where you can find hundreds of informative content about various segments.