Working away from the office is convenient, but your home network, a cafe's Wi-Fi and a busy train carriage don't have the protections your office does. A few habits go a long way towards keeping your organisation's data safe.
Secure your home network
Your home router is the front door to your network. You don't need to be technical to cover the basics:
- Change the default password. If your router's admin and Wi-Fi passwords are still the ones printed on the sticker, change them to a long passphrase.
- Keep it updated. Many routers update themselves. If yours is several years old, check with your internet provider about a replacement.
- Use WPA2 or WPA3 security for your Wi-Fi, never an open network.
- Give visitors the guest network if your router has one, so their devices stay separate from yours.
The Australian Cyber Security Centre has a helpful guide: Secure your router.
Be careful on public Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi in cafes, airports and hotels is shared with strangers, and anyone can set up a fake network with a convincing name.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive work such as banking, payroll or client records.
- Use your phone's personal hotspot instead. It's usually faster and much safer.
- If you must use public Wi-Fi, confirm the exact network name with staff and don't connect to networks that look similar.
- Never install software or "security certificates" a Wi-Fi sign-in page asks you to.
If your organisation uses a VPN, synfo will have set it up for you. Connect to it whenever you're working away from the office, especially on public or shared networks. If you aren't sure whether you have one, ask the service desk.
Lock your screen every time
Get into the habit of locking your screen whenever you step away, even for a minute.
- Windows: press Windows key + L.
- macOS: press Ctrl + Cmd + Q.
In public places, watch out for shoulder surfing: people reading your screen or watching you type your password. Sit with your back to a wall where you can, and consider a privacy screen filter if you often work in public. Take calls about confidential matters somewhere you can't be overheard.
Keep your work device for work
Don't let family members, friends or housemates use your work computer, even for a quick search or homework. They could accidentally download something harmful or see confidential information, and anything they do happens under your account.
Keep work files on your work device and in OneDrive or SharePoint, not on personal computers or USB drives. Keep the device out of sight in the car and never leave it unattended in public. If it is lost or stolen, follow lost or stolen device straight away.
Still stuck?
If you're unsure whether a network is safe or something on your device looks wrong, log a ticket. If you think your device or account has been compromised, call 1300 079 636 immediately.