Cybersecurity Tips for Remote Workers in West Sussex

Working remotely is great—you can skip the commute, make tea whenever you like, and maybe even work in your slippers. But whether you’re based in Crawley, Horsham, or a cosy little spot by the South Downs, remote work comes with its own cybersecurity risks. We’ve been chatting with a lot of local businesses recently, and one thing that keeps coming up is how to keep remote workers secure. So, here’s the lowdown!

1. Keep Your Wi-Fi Locked Down

Your home Wi-Fi is where the magic happens, but if it’s not secure, it’s a hacker’s dream.

• Change the Default Password: That random code from your ISP isn’t enough. Go for something unique and strong.
• Update Your Router’s Firmware: Sounds technical, but it’s just like updating your phone—it patches up any security holes.
• Enable WPA3 Encryption: If your router is a bit older, WPA2 is okay, but WPA3 is better for modern security.

If you’re scratching your head over this, give us a shout—we’ll guide you through it.

2. Watch Out for Phishing Scams

We’ve seen a rise in phishing emails targeting remote workers. These emails often look legit but are designed to steal your details.

• Check the Sender’s Email Address: If it looks dodgy, don’t click anything.
• Hover Over Links: Without clicking, see where they lead. If it’s not what you expected, stay clear.
• When in Doubt, Ask: Your IT team (hey, that’s us!) can check if an email is real or not.

3. Use Strong Passwords and MFA

Yes, we know, password advice is boring, but it’s vital.

• Password Managers: Tools like LastPass or Bitwarden can create and store strong passwords for you.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): It’s an extra step to log in, but it stops hackers in their tracks.

4. Secure Your Work Devices

When you’re working from home, your laptop or PC is your lifeline, so treat it like gold:

• Install Antivirus Software: A good antivirus will stop most attacks before they even start.
• Keep Your Software Updated: Updates aren’t just for adding new features—they fix vulnerabilities, too.
• Lock Your Screen: Step away for a cuppa? Lock your device so prying eyes (or curious kids) can’t mess with it.

5. Use a VPN for Secure Connections

If your company provides a VPN, use it. It encrypts your connection and makes it harder for hackers to intercept your data. Even if you’re just emailing from a café in Crawley or browsing from your kitchen, it’s worth the extra layer of protection.

6. Don’t Forget Physical Security

It’s easy to overlook, but physical security matters too.

• Keep Devices Out of Sight: Especially if you work in shared spaces or cafés.
• Don’t Write Down Passwords: We know sticky notes are tempting, but trust us, they’re not secure.

Your IT Guardian Angels

We know cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, but that’s what we’re here for. At Novo IT, we’ve helped loads of West Sussex businesses keep their remote teams secure without breaking a sweat. Whether you need advice, tools, or a full-on security plan, just give us a call or drop us an email.

Let’s keep your remote working safe and stress-free!

Disclaimer: This article was developed with the help of AI and lovingly polished by the Novo IT team to reflect our expertise and local insights.