The many benefits of remote work have been well-established by now, from its flexibility and positive effect on mental health to its cost savings and more. But there is one area of remote work that often gets overlooked, although it could use some improvement: security. However, the CEO of a website dedicated to providing resources for remote workers noted that the National Security Agency/Central Security Service’s recently released guideline has some helpful tips that remote workers in particular could benefit from following.

“Too often, cybersecurity isn’t taken seriously when it comes to remote work,” said Joseph Boll, CEO of RemoteWorker.jobs, an online jobs board and resource website for remote workers, remote work jobseekers, and hiring managers, employers and HR personnel seeking to recruit and hire the top talent for remote positions.

“The practices vary greatly, where some companies take it seriously and take measures like providing secured laptops, while others are more lax and allow employees to work from their own devices without really checking to ensure those devices have adequate security. For self-employed individuals, the variation is even greater, but few take it as seriously as they should.”

When working in a physical office, most companies pay big bucks for all-encompassing security protocols. This includes things like secure computer passcodes, encrypted networks, and even access keys that only permit specific personnel to enter certain areas. Naturally, when working from home — or from wherever — remote workers may not have the benefit of a big, secure building or an expensive security protocol. This is especially the case for freelancers or self-employed individuals who work from home.

But Boll stressed that remote workers don’t have to spend thousands of dollars or look for an outsourced company to keep themselves safe when doing business online. Instead, they can use helpful, practical guidelines like those provided by the NSA to help beef up their home networks and any devices they use when working remotely.

“Whether you work for a corporation or for yourself, conducting business safely online is in your best interest. It protects you from harm like identity theft, and also gives your clients the guarantee that their information is safeguarded and that you’re a responsible professional. These are easy ways remote workers can do themselves a favor and stay secure online.”

###

About Remote Worker (US)
Remote Worker is designed to help hiring managers and businesses connect with job-seeking professionals for remote work positions. We are affiliated with Remote Worker (UK), ClickJobs.io, EcoCareers.org and Caribbean Employment Services Inc. For more information, visit https://www.remoteworker.jobs or contact [email protected].