10 IT security tips for freelancers
If you are a freelancer, you should keep in mind a few. tips from computer security. Self-employed people who often work from home with a computer need to take into account a number of tips and criteria to protect the security of their business.
In this article we will give you some of the keys to keep in mind. The freelancers like SMEs, can also be victims of cyber-attacks or vulnerabilities that can harm their business.
IT security tips for freelancers and freelancers
Freelancers must take into account a whole range of elements to protect their IT security.
We explain.
1. Make backup copies of your files
You need a computer security tool that allows you to make backups. The backups should be automatic, encrypted and in the cloud. You can then restore them if you need to, so you won’t lose any data. Read the post 5 ways to make backups.
2. Work with an antivirus
To avoid malware problems, it is advisable to work with an antivirus. The antivirus must be updated to the latest version. An antivirus is not necessarily infallible, but it can help protect your computer.
3. Use a virtual desktop
This is an alternative for many advanced users. It involves not working directly on your operating system, saving your files on your hard drive. Instead, you can connect to a virtual desktop and create and store your files there.
4. Protect your Internet connection
To protect your WiFi Internet connection, you can put into practice some of the tips to protect your WiFi network that we have already given you in this blog. Above all, keep in mind that if you connect to public hotspots, it is easier for your privacy to be compromised.
5. Avoid opening suspicious emails
A freelancer must be careful with e-mail. E-mail is probably your main working tool. Good faith however can cause us to open emails that may be dangerous to us or contain malware. We can avoid this.
6. Beware of USB flash drives
USB sticks can often be carriers of viruses. Especially when we carry them from one place to another, we introduce them in multiple computers of people outside your business, whose security level we do not know. Avoid using USB sticks and use the cloud.
7. Protect your data and sensitive information
The most important data of your business must be protected. Not only with backup copies, but also encrypted to guarantee your privacy to the maximum. Think that in your professional activity there are documents that you are obliged to keep, not only to present them to the tax authorities if requested, but also for privacy and data protection reasons.
8. Take into account the security of your website
You must not only protect the security of your computer equipment. You must also protect the security of your website. As a freelancer, if you have a website to sell your services you should be aware that if it is not updated and you do not apply security measures you may run the risk of the site being affected.
9. Update your operating system
Another computer security tip that a freelancer should keep in mind is to update your operating system. Keep in mind that there are older operating systems such as Windows XP that are no longer being updated. Ideally, you should switch to Windows Vista as soon as possible, but also keep your computer always up to date.
10. Use a firewall
In addition to an antivirus, a firewall can protect you from external connection attempts by third parties. Often this tool is associated with the antivirus itself, although there are also default solutions in Windows. Make sure it is up to date and working.
Request technical support when you need it
Many freelancers who work from home can often find themselves isolated in solving their computer problems. Lack of resources means that IT security is often overlooked.
We can also advise you in everything you need and offer you services of computer backups so you can have your data protected. If you are a freelancer and want to start protecting your business data, we would like to invite you to contact us now.
