Remote Work Security Tips

Securing your home network:

Ensure that your home networking equipment, such as routers and wireless access points (WAPs) are current, supported models running the most up to date firmware.
Change the default administrator password for all equipment on your home network including routers, wireless access points, printers, and items branded as “Smart” or “Internet of Things (IoT)”.
Ensure only people you trust can connect to your wireless network by enabling strong security consisting of Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) using a complex password.
Disable the remote administration feature on equipment
Use the firewall features of your router and computer to block undesirable traffic. A best practice is to block all inbound traffic.
Ensure your router is configured to use a trusted source for Domain Name Service (DNS). Reliable sources for DNS include your Internet Provider, Google, OpenDNS, and Cloudflare.

Make sure that your device has an up-to-date Operating System and all patches are applied.
Ensure all major third party software (Microsoft, Adobe, Firefox etc.) are current, supported versions and any available patches are applied.
Enable full disk encryption such as File-Vault or Bitlocker if supported.
Make sure you are running an antivirus software and your definitions are set to update automatically.
When possible use a dedicated computer for conducting remote work.
To prevent accidental deletion or corruption of work data by a family member lock the device when not in use, such as when taking a lunch break.
If possible configure devices, such as those provided to children, with restricted access to prevent the installation of undesirable software.

Check that you are accessing resources in compliance with guidance provided in https://kb.oakland.edu/uts/remote_work
Use university approved resources and methods to communicate.
When possible host conference calls or virtual meetings (using approved resources), rather than joining a meeting hosted by third parties.
Report suspicious activity to University Technology Services (UTS).
Uninstall remote support and conferencing software when no longer needed.
Periodically check for and delete University owned data.
Dedicate a browser for work activates. For example use Chrome for work activates and FireFox for personal browsing.

Use the same passwords for personal and work related activities.
Use features like “Remember my password” for University websites.
Add Browser Extensions, such as Ad-Blockers, shopping tools, etc, or content synchronization tools on your work browser.
Use software like Thunderbird or Outlook to access email, use Webmail instead.
Share links to meetings, conference calls, virtual classrooms on social media.
Overshare information on conference calls or virtual meetings if you are unsure who all is attending.
Open attachments or links shared in virtual meetings unless you can validate their authenticity.