Here are several effective ways to strengthen your digital security at home and help ensure that both your personal information and work-related data remain protected:
Create a dedicated, secure user account for work on your personal computer.
If you are using your own computer for professional tasks when working from home, it’s important to set up a separate user account that is used exclusively for work. This account should have a strong, unique password that you do not use anywhere else. Keeping your work account isolated helps prevent accidental access to sensitive files by family members, visitors, or anyone who may occasionally use your device. It also helps maintain a clear separation between personal applications and work-related tools, reducing the chances of mixing data or exposing confidential information.
Use organization-provided computers solely for work and restrict access.
If your employer has issued you a work laptop or desktop for working from home, treat it as a dedicated professional device. Avoid using it for personal browsing, gaming, online shopping, or storing private files. These activities increase exposure to malware and phishing attempts. In addition, never allow others—whether family members, friends, or repair technicians—to log in to your corporate device or use your work credentials. Work computers are typically managed by your organization’s IT department, which applies security settings, software updates, and monitoring tools designed to protect company data; using the device for non-work purposes can undermine those safeguards.
Change your router’s default username and password to secure your home network.
Many home routers are shipped with default login credentials, such as “admin” for both the username and password. These defaults are widely known and publicly documented, making them easy targets for cybercriminals. To improve your network’s security, log in to your router’s administrative settings and replace the default credentials with a strong, unique password. Doing so helps prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing your network, altering settings, or potentially monitoring your traffic. While you are adjusting your router settings, also ensure that your Wi-Fi network is using modern encryption—preferably WPA3, or at minimum WPA2—to further safeguard your connection.
By implementing these steps, you can significantly enhance your home security posture. If you’d like expert support, Abacus offers comprehensive Managed Service solutions—providing proactive monitoring, network management, and robust cybersecurity tools to protect your organization around the clock. Contact Abacus today to learn how we can help strengthen your digital environment with reliable, professional IT security.