In 2020, a global pandemic swept through the world, and everything we knew about work changed overnight. Offices shut their doors, commutes became a memory, and suddenly, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining tables became workstations. While it helped businesses stay afloat, it also opened the door to new cybersecurity risks.
Fast forward to now, and remote teams continue to thrive. But with people using personal devices, public Wi-Fi, and unsecured apps, cyber threats are more real than ever. That’s where cyber hygiene comes in.
Think of it as the digital version of washing your hands, basic habits that keep your team safe, and your data protected.
Here’s a practical checklist you can use to keep your remote team secure:
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Everywhere
Passwords are no longer enough. MFA adds a critical second layer of security, ensuring that even if your password is leaked, your account stays protected.
- Don’t Click Suspicious Links
Phishing remains one of the most common methods by which cybercriminals breach systems. Train your team to pause and think before clicking, especially when emails seem urgent, emotional, or slightly off.
- Keep Devices & Apps Updated
Outdated software is an open door for attackers. Encourage regular system updates and enable automatic patching where possible, to close security gaps quickly.
- Use Company-Approved File Sharing & Storage
Sensitive work documents should never be shared through personal emails, messaging apps, or random cloud drives. Stick to centralized, secure platforms like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 with proper access controls.
- Secure Your Connection with a VPN
Whether working from home or in a public café, a VPN ensures data in transit is encrypted and shielded from eavesdroppers. Make it a must-have for remote access.
- Lock Devices When Stepping Away
It takes just a second for someone to peek at your screen. Lock your laptop or phone anytime you step away, especially in shared or public spaces.
- Regular Cybersecurity Training
Cyber threats evolve. Your team’s knowledge should too. Provide short, ongoing training on topics like phishing, data handling, and secure communication. A little awareness goes a long way.
Cyber hygiene isn’t a one-time thing. It’s an everyday task. And for remote teams, it needs to be more intentional. The habits your team builds now will either strengthen your digital resilience or expose you to unnecessary risks down the line.
Setting up proper cybersecurity systems and training is an investment you should make, especially as a remote team. It keeps your team informed, helping them navigate digital threats, no matter where they work from.
At Resilience Technologies, we support African civil society organisations and at-risk communities with services like resilience training, infrastructure hardening, incident response, and digital risk assessments. Whether you need to strengthen your team’s awareness or secure your systems end to end, we’re here to help you build a safer, more resilient digital workplace. Explore our services to see how we can support your security goals. Send us an email info@rtafrica.org to get started.