Working from home securely

Working from home is now a normal part of many jobs, and most of what you need is in Microsoft 365, so it works the same at home as in the office. The difference is that your home network and household are not managed the way the office is. A few habits close most of the gap.

Use your work computer for work

Your work laptop has the security software, updates and backup set up by us. A shared family computer or a personal laptop does not, and anything saved on it is outside your business's control. Where possible, do work only on the work computer, and do not let family members use it, even briefly.

Look after your home router

Your home router is the front door to your home network. Make sure the Wi-Fi uses a strong password and WPA2 or WPA3 security (the router's settings page or your provider's app shows this). Change the router's admin password from the default if it is still the one printed on the sticker. Turn on automatic updates if the router offers them, and ask your provider for a newer model if yours is many years old.

Keep work separate on the network

If your router supports a guest network, putting smart TVs, game consoles and smart speakers on it keeps them apart from your work laptop. It is not essential, but it is a useful extra layer.

Connect the way your business expects

If we have set up a VPN or another secure way into your office systems, use it whenever you open those systems from home. Never forward work email to a personal account, and do not save work files to personal cloud storage to "make things easier".

Privacy on calls and paper

Use a headset for calls where other people are in the house, and check what is behind you before turning on your camera. Teams can blur your background. If you print confidential documents at home, shred them rather than putting them in household recycling.

Problems at home

We support your work computer wherever it is. If your home internet is the problem, we can help work out whether it is the Wi-Fi or the provider; see Fixing slow or dropping Wi-Fi. Email hello@bitlogix.tech or call 855-248-2637.