How to Stay Safe When Working Remotely

Working remotely is becoming more common but there are safety risks associated with it. From identity theft to hacking, remote work carries a lot of risks. Since remote work is a feature of modern business, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and your business.

While working remote may offer a flexible work space, it can also create various security challenges.

The tips below will help you stay safe and enjoy a hitch-free remote work environment.

Follow Strict Privacy Rules

Don’t give away too much information when remotely working with a client. If your personal information falls into the wrong hands, it could be used to launch attack against you or your business.

Only information that is necessary for the job at hand should be shared. Passwords to critical assets, personal address and financial information should be off-limits in almost all cases. If there are instances that you need to reveal sensitive information, you should confirm the intended use of the data and the integrity of the requester.

 

Encrypt Devices

Whether you are communicating over a network or storing data on your devices, encryption is highly recommended as it adds an extra layer of security to your data. It ensures that your sensitive information cannot be accessed even if your device were to get lost or stolen.

Always communicate through secure channels and set up complete encryption for all your devices.

 

Use Strong Passwords

Your passwords should be up to date, strong and secure. Never use repetitive or easy to guess passwords as it opens you up to attack via brute force and guessing.

A good password will protect your device from unauthorized access and keep you safe while working remotely. To create a strong password, make it long and also include common personal phrases that only you understand but are impossible to guess.

 

Protect Your Devices

Workers usually collaborate by using both work and personal devices. Some people even take work home using their smartphones and PCs. This creates an opening for cyber attackers to infiltrate a business. If an attacker gains access to your smartphone or laptop outside work, they may use it to steal client or company’s information.

You must protect your gadget to prevent such theft. Also, set up backups on your devices so that a crash will not disrupt business activities.

 

Look out for Phishing Emails

Working remotely makes you more susceptible to phishing attacks since you communicate primarily through electronic means and have to on instructions. Remote workers are prime targets for phishing emails which aim to steal information or take over a business’ system.

As a remote worker, you are not on the ground to confirm mails, so it is easy to get tricked by fake email which attempts to impersonate boss, colleague or financial institutions.

You should verify every email before acting on its instructions. Also, install email filtering system to block spam and suspicious emails.

 

Install Security Systems

All systems used for remote work should be protected using firewalls, web filters, antivirus and other system security tools.

Other ways to ensure security while working remotely include:

  1.      Avoid public WiFi or use VPN
  2.      Don’t use a suspicious USB device

 

Working remotely has a lot of advantages but it also comes with drawbacks. Adopting the tips above will go a long way in ensuring your security while working remotely. If you need to set up a strong security system for your remote work, IT support companies can provide the proper support to get you started. SDTEK can help you implement the best security and IT support options for yourself and your employees.

Common IT Security Compliance Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.

Why Cybersecurity and Business IT Support Are Crucial for Fort Wayne Businesses

April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.