Besides being trendy, flexible, and calm, coworking space is an affordable alternative compared to renting traditional office space. Such working models are currently in vogue, with more people preferring them to conventional working offices. Approximately 77 percent of those using this working model claim that it provides more benefits than previous arrangements. From improved networking options, easy accessibility, peace of mind to flexibility, co-working spaces are undoubtedly the best.
This working model has gained popularity, with several fortune companies, including Facebook, Microsoft, and Starbucks adopting it. However, while this formula provides several benefits, it presents some of the biggest risks in equal measure. Therefore, if you intend to adopt a co-working office space model, consider the following tips for utmost safety.
1. Protect Your Network
Your company and clients’ data are key valuables in your work. However, cybercriminals can take advantage of several vulnerabilities to hack into your network. Before connecting to any WIFI network in a co-working space, ensure that you determine the available security measures. Hackers can set up spoofed networks designed to seize any incoming and ongoing traffic from office connections.
To protect your small business from such risks, it is crucial to invest in a reliable small business Wi-Fi installation, as this will provide you with enhanced security features and help safeguard your valuable data from potential cyber threats. By implementing strong encryption protocols and regularly updating your Wi-Fi installation, you can mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and protect your sensitive information.
You can also fall prey to WIFI sniffing, a technique used by hackers to intercept data shared over public networks. Through this, they can capture key details, such as browser history, usernames, and passwords to crucial documents. Intruders can also gain access to your essential documents by installing malicious malware and much more.
That said, installing strong network security measures is the best solution that keeps your co-workers’ information safe. Since hackers target WIFI networks, consider hosting co-workers on personal networks rather than one WIFI network. You should also allocate them different credentials and unique passwords. With this, even if one network is hacked, other workers will remain safe. You can also invest in an electric timer that automatically switches off the WIFI connection overnight.
Installing antivirus and software to protect your network is crucial. Strong antivirus helps mitigate risks, filter your mailbox, and protect the WIFI network.
2. Watch out For Security Updates
Even after installing proper security measures to your network, you should constantly be on the lookout for updates. This will prevent your network from vulnerabilities to cybercriminals and data miners. Hackers spend a lot of time searching for security loopholes on networks that they can exploit. However, you should take advantage of security updates regularly released by security companies that patch the vulnerabilities. Ignoring them exposes your business network to unimaginable security risks.
The Wannacry Ransomware Attack is a perfect example of a cybersecurity threat that most businesses could have averted if they had made network updates timely. To be sure, make a point of hiring specific IT experts who frequently check your devices and networks for security updates. You can as well opt for an easier option of automating the updates.
3. Train Your Workers
Your employees are at the forefront in preventing and fighting various data security concerns. Unfortunately, more than 90 percent of data breaches originate from human error. As such, it is prudent to ensure that your employees are trained on the common security vulnerabilities and ways to avoid them. Educate your workers on data security and the ways it can affect their work. You should also train them on how they can prioritize data security when handling your client’s data. You could also consider hiring cybersecurity professional.
4. Be Keen for Phishing Attacks
Over time, phishing attacks have terrorized several unsuspecting businesses, and they may be detrimental to your co-working space as well. Recently, one of the common phishing attacks launched by hackers used the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic to dupe naive internet users. Cybercriminals working in a façade of trusted parties can send emails or texts to your employees or users of your co-working space to access login credentials and steal crucial business data.
Fortunately, phishing scams are easy to identify. For instance, some have obvious spelling mistakes, and others are written in an unnatural tone. Therefore, encourage your employees and co-working individuals to look out for such nominal errors when reading their emails and texts. Other measures to avoid phishing attacks include;
- Installing updated firewalls and web browsers
- Avoiding emails that come with some sense of urgency
- Not sharing crucial business information with unauthorized individuals
- Installing software that filter emails commonly used for phishing attacks
Bottom Line
The use of coworking space is increasingly becoming a mainstream working option for various people. From freelancers, startups, and established businesses, remote workers to part-time hobbyists, this working model attracts people from various backgrounds. Besides providing an accommodative and appealing working environment, it is important to ensure that it is protected suitably.
Businesses should protect their crucial company and clients’ data from cybersecurity threats in all ways. Note that your co-workers’ data security is strongly tied to security measures placed in the coworking space.
If you are looking for office space, coworking space or traditional, we can help. Contact us today to find out about our no cost service.