Cybersecurity Checklist For Freelancers
- If you are working online and have your own business, then you know just how essential a cybersecurity checklist for freelancers and remote workers really is. It doesn’t matter if you have a website or an online presence as long as you have an email address. This can be used to keep in touch with clients and keep them aware of progress on the projects that you have. It is also a way for freelancers to get payment for their work. These are just three reasons why this is very important.
- Most people today use email to communicate. This is the most common form of communication, so it is safe to assume that everyone has one. Unfortunately, not everyone has a secure email account and those that do need to keep their security in mind. It does not take long before your account could be hacked into and all of the information that is contained on it could be compromised.
- A security check list is often used to keep track of updates that should be made to a security program. Many updates come out all at once, so keeping track of what needs to be done can save time and money. Keep the list updated and it will be easy to locate when it comes time to update. Keep it current however and it may become ineffective.
- When using any type of computer software, it is important to make sure that the virus and spyware programs that are installed on the system are all removed. This is the first thing that any work email should contain and it is vital to keep all attachments to avoid downloading anything onto the home computer. Be sure that the list is updated whenever there is a new version available.
- As mentioned above, there are many viruses and other malware that can infect a computer system when working on it. To combat this, a list of trusted people and sites that need to be contacted is needed. Add the names to the email and the list needs to be forwarded to everyone on the list. The email should also include instructions for them to contact the person in question if a problem exists.
- Sometimes just knowing that a firewall is present is not enough. Often computers will connect to a wireless network after being turned on. This means that a hacker can easily connect to them and get access to all of the files that are on the system. Any list that is used to keep everyone safe should include instructions on how to set up the network as well as instructions for connecting any necessary devices that might be working on the network.
- When working remotely, people need to be cautious with whom they give access to the home computer. Passwords are one of the best ways to keep the privacy of the user. In addition to creating a list of trusted people and sites, a password needs to be created and remembered for each user. A security checklist for freelancers and remote workers should include this information. As well as having the proper passwords, everything that is connected to the computer system should be controlled through the use of the appropriate passwords.
Common cyber threats that freelancers and remote workers face
Some of the most common cyber threats that freelancers and remote workers face include spyware, viruses, adware, phishing, and identity theft. While these are real problems that can happen to an employer as well as their employee, the most common risk is from viruses. Because computers are used for so much, many viruses get through the cracks of the system. When working remotely, it’s easy to accidentally download a virus instead of just an update. Keeping the right firewall and antivirus software on a computer is the best way to avoid most of these risks.
