Privacy and security settings to check when you start a remote job

 A new remote job or freelance collaboration usually starts with a to-do list: setting up your laptop, getting access to company accounts, installing collaboration tools, and figuring out how everything works.

But before you settle into your new routine, spend a few minutes checking your privacy and security settings. Even if your employer has security policies in place, there are a few things you should check yourself.

Key takeaways

• Check your home Wi-Fi security settings before connecting your work devices.
• Enable automatic updates and device encryption to help protect work-related information.
• Turn on multi-factor authentication for your work accounts.
• Use a VPN when appropriate, especially when connecting from public or unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks.
• Review privacy settings in video conferencing and collaboration apps.
• Keep personal and work accounts separate whenever possible.
• Check your device's screen lock and notification settings to prevent accidental exposure of sensitive information.

7 privacy and security settings to check for remote work

Whether you're working from home, a café, or somewhere in between, a few simple settings can help protect your devices, accounts, and personal information. Here are seven worth checking before you get started.

1. Check your home Wi-Fi security settings

Your home Wi-Fi is probably where you'll spend most of your working hours, so it's a good place to start.

Check that:

• Your Wi-Fi uses WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.
• Your network has a strong, unique password.
• Your router's firmware is up to date.
• Remote administration is disabled unless you specifically need it.

If other people in your household regularly connect devices to the network, consider setting up a separate guest network for visitors and less-trusted devices.

2. Turn on automatic updates and device encryption

When you're working remotely, your laptop may contain work documents, downloaded files, saved credentials, and access to company systems.

Two settings are especially important: automatic updates and device encryption.

Automatic updates help protect your device against known vulnerabilities. Check that your operating system, browser, and frequently used applications are configured to receive security updates.

Device encryption protects stored information by making it much harder for someone to access your files if your laptop is lost or stolen.

If you're using a company-managed laptop, these settings may already be configured by your IT team. Check with them before making changes.

3. Enable multi-factor authentication for your work accounts

Your new remote job probably involves several online accounts: email, cloud storage, project management tools, video conferencing. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another verification step when you sign in, making it harder for someone to access your account with a stolen password alone.

Where available, use passkeys, security keys, or an authenticator app rather than relying only on SMS verification.

And don't approve an unexpected login request just because it appears on your phone. If you didn't initiate the sign-in, reject it and report it to your IT team, if you have one.

4. Check your VPN settings for secure remote work

One of the benefits of remote work is being able to work from different locations or while traveling.

A VPN encrypts the internet traffic between your device and the VPN server, helping protect your connection on public or unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks. It also masks your IP address from the websites and services you access.

If you're using a personal VPN, check these settings:

• Auto-connect: Configure your VPN to connect automatically on unfamiliar or unsecured networks.
• Kill switch: Enable this feature, if available, to help prevent traffic from being exposed if your VPN connection drops.
• Server location: Choose a nearby or automatically recommended server for everyday browsing, unless you need a specific location.
• Split tunneling: Check whether certain apps are excluded from the VPN connection and whether those exclusions make sense for your needs.

If your employer provides a corporate VPN, follow their instructions for using it. A personal VPN can help protect your online privacy, but it doesn't replace a corporate VPN or other company security requirements.

5. Review privacy settings in video conferencing and collaboration apps

Remote work often means spending a good part of your day in video calls, shared documents, and team chats.

Before your first meeting, check:

• Whether your microphone and camera are enabled automatically.
• Which applications have permission to access your camera, microphone, and screen.
• Whether your meeting links can be accessed by people outside your organization.
• Who can view your online status and availability.
• Whether meetings are recorded or transcribed, and how those recordings are shared.

Pay particular attention to screen sharing. Sharing your entire desktop instead of a specific application window could accidentally reveal personal messages, browser tabs, or confidential information.

6. Separate your personal and work accounts

You might check personal email during a break, sign into a shopping website from your work laptop, or save a company document to your personal cloud storage without thinking much about it.

But mixing accounts can create unnecessary privacy and security risks.

If possible, use separate devices for work and personal activities. If you're using your own computer, consider separate browser profiles and follow your employer's rules for accessing company information.

Avoid saving work passwords in a shared browser profile or transferring work documents to personal cloud accounts.

Also check whether your employer uses device management or monitoring software. If you're expected to install it on a personal device, ask what information it can access and what happens when your employment ends.

7. Check your screen lock and notification settings

It's easy to leave your laptop unlocked when you step away for a coffee or a quick break. But notifications and work messages can remain visible to others, whether you're at home, in a café, or in a shared workspace.

A few simple changes can help:

• Set your laptop to lock automatically after a short period of inactivity.
• Require a password, PIN, or biometric authentication to unlock it.
• Hide message previews and other sensitive information from lock-screen notifications.
• Disable unnecessary notifications during screen sharing or presentations.

Make online privacy part of your remote work routine

If your employer provides a corporate VPN, follow their instructions for using it. Corporate VPNs are typically designed to give employees secure access to company networks and internal resources.

If you're a freelancer, independent contractor, or working on a temporary project, you may not have access to a company VPN. In that case, a personal VPN is worth considering, especially if you work from cafés, coworking spaces, or while traveling.

Bitdefender Premium VPN offers features such as auto-connect and a kill switch, so you don't have to remember to turn on your VPN every time you connect to an unfamiliar network.

Get Bitdefender Premium VPN and enjoy safer, more private browsing at home and wherever you go.

You may also want to read:

• Using a VPN for the first time? Do these 5 things
• Is my VPN working? 7 easy tests to see if it work
• 10 common VPN mistakes to avoid

FAQs

Do I need a VPN if I work from home?

Not necessarily. A properly secured home Wi-Fi network already provides protection for your wireless connection. However, a VPN can add privacy by encrypting traffic between your device and the VPN server and masking your IP address from websites. Your employer may also require a corporate VPN to access company systems.

Corporate VPN vs. personal VPN: Which should I use?

If your employer provides a corporate VPN, use it as instructed to securely access company networks and resources. If you're a freelancer or contractor without a company VPN, a personal VPN can help protect your internet connection and online privacy, particularly on public Wi-Fi. Keep in mind that a personal VPN doesn't replace company security requirements or provide access to private company systems.

Can my employer see what I do when working remotely?

It depends on the device, network, and monitoring tools your employer uses. On a company-managed device, your employer may be able to monitor certain activities even if you use a personal VPN. Review your company's policies to understand what information may be collected.

Should I use my personal laptop for remote work?

Only if your employer allows it and you can meet the required security standards. A personal laptop should have up-to-date software, device encryption, a secure screen lock, and appropriate security protection. Keep work and personal data separate whenever possible.

Does a VPN protect confidential work documents?

A VPN encrypts traffic between your device and the VPN server, but it doesn't automatically protect documents stored on your laptop or in cloud accounts. Device encryption, access controls, MFA, and secure file-sharing practices are also important.