How to Keep Your Wireless Network Secure When Working From Home

Editor's Note: This blog was reviewed and updated on April 20, 2020

Working remotely has changed the way many of us approach our 9 to 5. Even before the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 pushed many to work remotely, one study found that around 70% of people worked from home at least one day a week, and 53% spent at least half the week working remotely. Even attorneys are starting to jump on the bandwagon, trading late nights at the office for simply taking their laptop home. However, keeping client information safe means ensuring your home setup is as secure as the one in your office.

These tips will help you protect your data when you're working from home:

Change Your Defaults

When you first set up a wireless network, the router comes with a default name and password. However, the default network name can alert hackers as to what type of router you're using, and if they know the manufacturer that default password becomes easier to guess. Changing both to something unique, but without personal information, will help protect your network (and your personal information).

Encrypt Your Network

Most wireless routers come with encryption, but their default setting is often "off." Turning on this feature adds another layer of protection to your wireless network. Encryption scrambles the information transmitted between your computer and your wireless router, rendering it useless for anyone who intercepts it.

Start a Fire(wall)

A firewall prevents hackers from accessing devices connected to your wireless network.

Many routers come with their own firewall but, like the encryption feature, might be shipped with this feature turned off. Check your router's settings to ensure the firewall is up and running.

Try a VPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is one of the most common forms of added security. If you're working at home and already using the above methods, a VPN probably isn't necessary. However, if you decide to do some work at your favorite coffee shop, a hotel, or a business center, using a VPN on your work computer helps make a public Wifi network more secure.

Related Resources:

• One in Four Law Firms Have Experienced a Security Breach (FindLaw's Technologist)
• 4 Types of Cyber Events Threatening Law Firms (FindLaw's Technologist)
• Your Smartphone: Friend or Foe? (FindLaw's Technologist)