Editors Note: In recent weeks many companies were thrust into a situation where they were forced to work remotely or temporarily close the doors.  To learn more about the need to manage privacy and security remotely, we sought out wisdom and best practices from an expert in the field.

10 Security Tips for Working Remotely

Consider what additional risks you may face in the event you are working without a net(work), or at least in a different environment.

1. Use strong, unique passwords (preferably passphrases) for all your computer devices and online accounts. Consider a password manager.
2. Set your devices, (including your smartphone), to lock after a short time, and require a passcode to unlock them.
3. Patch and update all your software, applications, and operating systems regularly.
4. Enable and employ multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
5. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to access your employer’s network, and if you have to use public Wi-Fi.
6. Don’t save documents on your computers and devices.
7. Never click links in emails or texts that appear to come from your bank or any other institution. Always login to your accounts directly.
8. Consider encrypting or protecting sensitive information you send over the Internet.
9. Backup information contained on all of your devices, (especially if you plan to ignore #6), and test your backups.
10. You are a line of defense (a security layer) against hackers and your own mistakes. Always be skeptical on the Internet, and with emails and attachments.

Jack Pringle

Partner at Adams and Reese | Website

Jack Pringle is a partner with Adams and Reese in Columbia, South Carolina, and focuses his practice on privacy, information security, and information governance.  Jack helps businesses protect, manage, and communicate information lawfully and effectively, and has received the Information Privacy Professional (CIPP-US) designation from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (“IAPP”).

Read more from Jack at https://pringlepracticeblog.blogspot.com/  or https://medium.com/@jjpringlesc

His presentations can be found at https://www.slideshare.net/jjpringle317