With remote and hybrid work now a staple across Illinois businesses, maintaining strong cybersecurity practices outside the office is more important than ever. A single compromised device or login can expose your entire network. That’s why implementing a cyber hygiene checklist is crucial for protecting your remote workforce.
Start by enforcing strong password policies. Employees should use complex, unique passwords for each system, and those credentials should be updated regularly. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) should be enabled across all devices and platforms.
Endpoint protection is another essential. Devices used outside the office are more vulnerable to malware and spyware. Ensure all laptops and smartphones have up-to-date antivirus and firewall protections.
Secure remote access through virtual private networks (VPNs) helps shield data from interception. Without a VPN, employees working from home or public Wi-Fi risk exposing sensitive data to cybercriminals.
Remote employees should also receive regular training on recognizing phishing attempts, securing personal devices, and reporting suspicious activity. Even with the best technology in place, human error remains the weakest link in cybersecurity.
Finally, regularly patch and update all software, including operating systems and business apps. Outdated tools often contain exploitable vulnerabilities.
If you are interested in learning more, schedule a call today.