Ten Cybersecurity Tips for Freelancers

Freelancers interact with a lot of strangers in search of work, which makes them an easy target for cyber criminals. Be it a media file for translation, documentation for coding projects, or a link to submit a portfolio, there are many ways cyber criminals are targeting freelancers.

A recent scam that security researchers unearthed involved websites popular with freelancers to seek work. The bait was an innocuous Microsoft Word document. Since it was not an executable file that would raise suspicions, a lot of people opened these files. Once opened, the file prompted them to enable macros. As soon as the macros were enabled, a keylogger or remote access trojan (RAT) was installed on the device. This provided cyber criminals with complete visibility into the device and they could easily view the login details, passwords, and other sensitive information that the users keyed in.

Follow cybersecurity hygiene

Freelancers carry a lot of responsibility in terms of data confidentiality of the clients they work with. However, they cannot afford the elaborate security mechanisms that large companies have. Therefore, it is important that they follow security hygiene that can protect them from cyber threats.

Some cybersecurity tips that freelancers can follow are listed below:

• Use a secure home network. To enhance security use WPA2 and WPA3 encryption that will prevent data interception. Avoid using public WiFi networks as they are usually not secure.
• Change the passwords often and choose complex passwords. Do not use the same login-password combinations for multiple accounts.
• Use a good antivirus software and keep it updated so it can check and inform when there is a malicious file.
• Do not open any executable files. In case you must, let it first pass the antivirus test.
• Do not enable macros in Microsoft documents.
• Back up all your data regularly.
• Lock the device when you are not around to prevent friends or family from accidentally exposing the device to cyber criminals.
• Be suspicious of unsolicited job offers. They may be phishing scams designed to extract personal information.
• Do not open links or emails that look suspicious. Hover over the links to make sure it matches with the link to the address.
• Use secure channels to share details for incoming payments. Do not share pictures of your credit card.

Minimize risks

Emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity is never enough. Freelancers are their own IT departments and, therefore, must take all the necessary steps to protect themselves from cyber threats. While no security measures can guarantee protection, practicing cybersecurity hygiene can minimize the risks.

The article has been written by Neetu Katyal, Content and Marketing Consultant

She can be reached on LinkedIn.