According to the Office for National Statistics, since April 2020 more than 46.6% of people in employment in the UK are working from home as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. And this isn’t looking likely to change, with the majority of businesses having to keep their employees working from home whilst there are still restrictions in place. Therefore, now is the time to start thinking more long-term about the security measures you take in your home office.
There is no doubt that working from home brings its benefits, including removing commutes and allowing for more flexible work practices. But whilst you might be in the comfort of your own home, you are still dealing with sensitive data and expensive equipment which needs to be taken care of. With an estimated 6.8 million incidents of crime against households in the last year alone, protecting your home and contents has never been more vital.
These are our 5 Top Tips to help keep you safe and productive at home:
1. Secure your Space
Try and make sure your workspace is adequately secure. Don’t leave equipment out on surfaces in communal areas of your home where it could be accidentally opened or broken. Also ensure it is out of sight at the end of the day to avoid passing thieves spotting and stealing it; this will also help to keep your work and home life more separate.
2. Mark your Equipment
Laptops, mobile phones and tablets are obvious targets for thieves as they are small, valuable, can be quickly removed from the building and there is an easy market for them. An even greater cost, especially if you’re using an employer-issued device, is the potential loss of confidential, corporate and client information.
SelectaDNA Home Kits remain a trusted crime prevention solution, that has resulted in an up to 83% reduction in household burglaries. They are specifically designed for home and office use, with each kit marking up to 50 items. The DNA solution is almost invisible and when applied will not damage the property or affect its value. You can then register all marked possessions on the Police and Insurance approved Secure Asset Register so that if your property is stolen and recovered, it can be traced back to you quickly and easily.
3. Control Access through your Windows and Doors
Even if you are just popping out to empty the rubbish or having a quick socially distanced chat with the neighbour, remember if doors or windows are left ajar, a thief can quickly grab anything you keep nearby such as handbags and jackets with wallets and keys inside.
Door and window security advice from the Metropolitan Police include fitting a guard to your letterbox to prevent someone reaching in with a hook, reinforcing windows with laminated panels and installing a spy hole to identify anyone that visits before you open the door.
4. Break-Time, Shut Down
If you leave your home for exercise or to go shopping, or if you live with flatmates or young children, make sure your work devices, including laptops, phones and desktops, are password protected and locked before you leave them unoccupied; also shut it down completely at the end of the day. This is best practice in the workplace, so it is even more important when you’re at home.
5. Don’t Mix your Data & Look Out for Scams
If you are using your own devices and software to work from home, keep your organisation’s data separate to avoid keeping hold of it for longer than you should. Ideally, your organisation should have provided you with secure technology to work with.
The National Cyber Security Centre has reported a sharp rise in scams and suspicious emails, so be extra vigilant about clicking on and opening unfamiliar web links and attachments in emails or other messages. If something doesn’t look right, check the sender email to check it’s normal and look out for any spelling and grammar mistakes. If you do receive an email, or accidentally click on a link, you should inform your company immediately so they can mitigate the situation if necessary.
We hope these tips help you stay safe at home, whilst we all get used to this new way of working.
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