Freelancing Safely: What are the Security Issues with Working Remotely?

Freelancing Safely: What are the Security Issues with Working Remotely?

With a staggering number of people starting with freelancing and working from home, the issues with this type of labor are beginning to show. We are concerned with the financial viability of our work and the security issues with working remotely.

Even if your core business is sound, many issues plague freelancers and remote workers even worse than those for other small businesses. Namely, your private data security is in the mix with your job, and the weakest link for both is what will harm you.

Thankfully, there are ways to protect yourself, and a calm head that will cross all the t’s and dot all of the i’s will be what will be safe from most if not all harm. Generally, you need to do three things:

  1. Ensure infrastructural safety and redundancy
  2. Protect, encrypt, and classify your data
  3. Focus on trust in your clients and partners

And the last point is probably the most important, as it has the biggest degree of the ”human factor”. Especially when it comes to freelancers who promote their work personally and to many people, some discretion is necessary.

Not only will you need a premium VPN such as Le VPN to mask your IP from possible intrusions, but also a brand and a web place you will be able to contact people from without endangering your cybersecurity or your physical security.

Don’t Be Afraid to Get Help

Freelancing Safely: What are the Security Issues with Working Remotely? | Le VPN

Freelancing is very different than a regular office job. Some things that are frowned upon when working from a cubicle are expected when you are alone, and vice versa. Aside from working only in your underwear, it is also the idea that you shouldn’t ask for help.

It can be direct and personal help if you have someone with the know-how close to you, but it can also be combing Reddit or other websites to find solutions. If you want to make an anonymous email address or a secured website and VOIP number, you will need experience.

A good thing here is that most people are very willing to help, especially when it comes to fellow freelancers and remote workers.

Main Security Issues with Working Remotely

There are a lot of small annoyances when working from home, but there are only three main problems. The biggest security issues with working remotely are your infrastructure, your devices, and the data itself.

There are ways to solve all these problems, but there is also the human factor to consider. To stay safe, remote workers will need to practice some practical security protocols when using their personal phones and computers.

For instance, to avoid security incidents when it comes to phishing or IP address collection, it is recommended to use something like the TOR VPN browser for all your surfing on the web.

Cybersecurity

Paradoxically, this is both the most complex security issue for remote employees and the easiest one to solve. The cornerstones of good cybersecurity are a premium VPN, an updated OS, and a good mix of anti-virus and anti-spyware software.

But, it is important that all of your devices have this. Some issues like the OS and protection software must be installed on all devices and updated individually, but you can connect everything to a VPN using a VPN hotspot or router.

The importance of a router can’t be overstated as it will include those who visit you in your home and connect to your WiFi. As their devices can be infected or prone to infection, you want the guests to be covered with a VPN as well.

Information and Data Security

While using a VPN that has encryption will protect your devices from outside threats, one of the biggest security issues when working remotely is that you will disclose your date yourself while off the clock.

This is where compartmentalization comes into focus and the practice to keep most of your files on unconnected external hard drives. In many cases, the data you need to protect will fit into something as small as a USB flash disk, but you need to remember to disconnect it after every use.

You can also use passwords for files, as well as limiting access, but both of those have some angles of attack when it comes to hackers. Investing in a single USB stick per client is a very cheap way to make your employer’s data as protected as humanly possible.

Physical Security and Infrastructure

Finally, there is the question of your personal safety and the infrastructure needed for your work. Primarily, this involves living in a peaceful area where you will be free to do your work and having multiple options when it comes to devices and connection methods.

It is best to have at least two options for the internet, such as cable and phone tethering, and to live somewhere with good internet and electricity and with low crime. This is why most remote workers have opted to return to smaller towns or even villages.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to working online and from your home. But, there are also security issues with working remotely, which need to be understood and solved if you don’t want to get yourself and your clients or employer into hot water.

Thankfully, with premium VPN providers such as Le VPN, good infrastructure, and a bit of prudence, you will have the chance to easily and cheaply secure your devices and your personal data, even if you are outside of the huge office complexes with professional IT departments.

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Written by Vuk Mujović @VukMujovic

Vuk Mujović is the founder of MacTíre Consulting, an analyst, data management expert, and a long-term writer on all things business & tech. He authored blogs, articles, and opinion pieces aimed to help both companies and individuals achieve growth without compromising their security. Vuk is a regular guest author to Le VPN Blog since January 2018, where he gives his expert opinion on the topics related to cybersecurity, privacy, online freedom, and personal data protection. He also often shares his tips and best practices in relation to internet security and digital safety of private individuals and small businesses, including some additional applications of using a VPN service.

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