10 Cyber Security Tips for Working from Home
Working from home has plenty of upsides, but it also means you're the front line of your organisation's security. The good news: a handful of small habits will keep you (and your work) safe, without needing to become a tech expert.
Secure your home Wi-Fi
Change the default admin password on your router (the one you use to log in to its settings, not the Wi-Fi password). Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, and rename the network so it doesn't reveal your address or router model. If your router is more than five years old, ask your provider for a newer one, most upgrades are free.
Use a strong, unique Wi-Fi password
Three random words joined together (e.g. RedKettleBicycle) is far stronger than a short password with symbols. Avoid sharing it widely, set up a separate "guest" network for visitors and smart-home gadgets so they're kept away from your work device.
Use a VPN if your employer provides one
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure tunnel between your device and your workplace. If your employer provides one, use it whenever you're working - especially on public Wi-Fi (cafés, airports, hotels). For personal browsing, a VPN is optional and not a substitute for the other steps in this list.
Run video calls safely
Use the latest version of your video tool (Teams, Zoom, Google Meet). Use unique meeting links and a waiting room or password for sensitive meetings, never reuse the same personal meeting link publicly. Be mindful of what's visible on screen and in the background, and close confidential documents before sharing your screen.
Stay alert to phishing, especially on personal devices
Working from home blurs the line between work and personal email. Attackers know this and send fake invoices, "HR" messages, IT alerts, and delivery notifications. If a message creates urgency, asks for login details, or looks slightly off, pause and verify through a different channel. See our guide on spotting phishing emails.
Keep work and personal accounts separate
Don't use your personal email for work tasks (or vice versa). Don't reuse passwords across the two. If you're using a personal device for work, create a separate user profile for work, it keeps things tidier and stops one being affected by problems on the other.
Lock your screen, every time
Even at home, it takes seconds for a curious child, visitor, or pet to see something they shouldn't. Press ⊞ + L on Windows or Ctrl + ⌘ + Q on a Mac whenever you step away. Set your device to lock automatically after a few minutes of inactivity.
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) everywhere it's offered
2FA adds a second check after your password. It means even if a password is stolen, attackers still can't get in. Prioritise your work email, your password manager, and any tool you use to access company files. An authenticator app is more secure than text-message codes.
Keep devices and apps updated
Updates are how vulnerabilities get fixed. Turn on automatic updates for your operating system, browser, and the apps you use for work. Restart your laptop at least once a week so updates can finish installing, it really does make a difference.
Know what to do if something goes wrong
Mistakes happen, and acting quickly keeps small problems small. If you click a suspicious link, share details with the wrong person, or notice odd activity on an account, tell your IT team or manager straight away. They'd much rather hear about it early. Don't try to hide it; there's no judgement, only options.
A quick reminder
You don't need to be perfect, you just need to be alert and honest. Most security incidents are made worse by silence, not by the original mistake. If anything ever feels off, ask. That alone makes a remote team far safer.
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Keep work and personal accounts on separate logins, lock your screen every time you step away, and turn on two-factor authentication wherever it is offered.
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