Stay Cyber-Safe While Working From Home

Even as most states are beginning to relax stay-at-home orders, many of us are adapting to what is likely a long-term shift to working and attending classes virtually. For the foreseeable future the new normal will likely include using platforms such as Zoom and FaceTime to communicate with clients, coworkers and educators. Now, more than ever, online security is critical and we want to help you and your family stay cyber-safe with these valuable tips.

WHAT'S IN THE BACKGROUND?

• Try not to showcase valuable items while you're online. Most of us don't pay too much attention to what's behind us while we're in a virtual workspace, but someone else could be.
• Avoid having photos, signs or other items that could identify your location. 
• Don't forget that you're online with others. We've all heard stories of situational unawareness and people changing clothes, eating meatball subs and taking a bathroom break while in a meeting or virtual classroom. Don't be that guy!

AVOID BEING ZOOMBOMBED:

Zoombombing is when a hacker can hijack a Zoom call and post offensive content. There's a few precautions that you can take that will help avoid this.

• Disable the participant's ability to share audio and video recordings.
• Block late callers from automatically joining the meeting.
• Use a different Zoom ID for every call.
• Require participants to hold in a Zoom Waiting Room until the call starts.

BEWARE OF SOCIAL ENGINEERING POSTS:

• Avoid posts that could be designed to elicit information that is often used for passwords or security questions. 
• Questions like: "What was your first car and the color?" or "What year did you become a parent?" or "Post the city you met your spouse in." These all seem like harmless social media posts, but in the wrong hands they can help someone access your personal information.

CYBER SECURITY EXPERTS ALSO RECOMMEND DOING THESE THINGS:

• Mix it up often! Change your passwords regularly and do not use the same password for multiple sites or logins.
• Consider using a digital background for Zoom calls...who doesn't want to be sitting on the beach while at work!
• Cover the camera or close your laptop when you're not using it. Computer cameras can easily be hacked.
• Use common sense. If something seems strange, end the call. It's better to apologize than to be a victim!