Online Security: Work from home and be safe

Working from home has many perks, but it also includes many not so great attributes. Setting up your home office is exciting. The work area, decor, view or no view, equipment. You get to set it up to fit your style and interests. The space you take up is important, will you spread out or stay confined to a corner? Do you want a large desk or a small computer desk? Plants or no plants? Bookshelves filled with books and if so what type?

Those decisions seem to be the first ones we tackle. Then the computer and accessories are next. Which internet and phone provider will you choose? Before you decide consider the security features, if any, offered by the provider. Internet security is not something the other person needs to consider, it is something you need to consider. Hacks happen to anyone these days. Not just large corporations.

For instance, lets look at the most recent discovered vulnerability to the internet: Heartbleed. This affected everyone, everywhere. It was a hole in the heart of the internet code that allowed your email address and passwords to be hijacked. Yes, your email address is in the hands of someone out there, maybe the highest bidder, but someone has it, can log into your email account and gain access to important information about you. Have you changed your password? I have on all accounts that required it and then a few more.

A very important note: Heartbleed is not a virus, it is a hole in the internet code that keeps you secure.

Now as much as I have done to keep from using Microsoft products, I am back using many of them again. Why? Because I have clients with specific needs that only Microsoft has to offer. I prefer Gnu software, but there are some limits, believe it or not. With that said, I have had to learn a few more security measures to keep my information safe from prying eyes. As well as my clients’ information.

This article from Microsoft regarding OneDrive discusses a few simple security measures to take to ensure your information remains secure. The suggestions, including password security, are great to follow with all your software, memberships, and online accounts.

You may not think you are that important to a hacker, but think again. They don’t know that until they invade your privacy. Then it is too late. You can still be sold to the highest bidder. Some can use that information, even if it does not seem important to you.

Take precautions, keep your information secure, and any client information you store. Confidential emails, they can be shared, so secure them. The simplest step is your password. Make it secure.

My favorite password saver keeps my information secure, LastPass, it is free and very secure. Or, if you have McAfee they provided a Security Vault, very similar to LastPass. Security Vault is included in the McAfee Total package. They have yearly fee. I have tried a few of the freebies, prefer to stick with McAfee. But you may find adequate protection in the free services. Check Cnet’s download site for more options.

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