How do I protect myself while working online?
Working remotely online has become the most viable option for most of us, as long as we can keep ourselves safe. Of course, the "global economy" does not imply that remote work is suitable for all kinds of professions. However, managers see many advantages in many areas of our lives.
However, the risks should not be forgotten. The risks are that human errors are replaced by digital ones. Threats of harm from real fraudsters and thieves are transformed into threats from cyber intruders, and from people who want to discriminate, harass you and steal your data.
Fortunately, the lack of physical threats in online work makes it easier to solve the problem. So, to keep your online remote work safe, you just need to learn how to avoid traps and dangerous places.
Risks of working remotely onlineThe risks associated with being connected to the Internet exist independently of the risks associated with your professional functions online.
You should also distinguish between your online presence as an individual and as an employee, worker, professional. To conduct professional activities on the Internet, to create contact with a client, you are forced to deliberately disclose some personal information related to your work. That's why the advice to secure remote work on the Internet for freelancers is somewhat different from the advice for ordinary people.
Because of this need to disclose your information in order to work successfully online, remote work poses specific security threats.
First and foremost are "commonplace" thieves. They will pose as potential customers, take an interest in your work or project in order to steal important information and sell it to interested parties.
Then there are "cyber mobbers," very bad people engaged in bullying in the information space. They may look interested and under this pretext ask you for excessive personal information and even offer to pay you for some things if you want to work with them.
Finally, there are worse people, ghostwriters (should this be “ghost employers” or some similar term?). Fake employers who will offer you a job, usually through social networks like Facebook or LinkedIn, and once you send your resume and personal information, they will delete their profile and you will never hear from them again.
Before you start anything, you need to make sure you are well prepared. Issues such as password protection and masking with a VPN are very important, but fortunately don't require much effort. Once you install a VPN app, you don't have to do anything else to keep your devices secure, a VPN will do everything.
Ideally, you want your VPN server to be connected in the same country where you work. Another option is your country of origin, as some freelancers and remote work platforms require you to be in a certain country for legal reasons.
Even if you work from a cell phone, you can always use VPN apps to keep your mobile device secure.
In addition, if you intend to separate your online business and your online presence for personal reasons, it's best, as a preventative measure, to downsize and convert most of your social media accounts.
ConclusionIt seems that working from home is the future for most people. It's simple and gives you the ability to optimally organize and control your time.
With software, you can protect your devices. And with a few simple tips, you can protect your privacy.