Cybersecurity Tips for Remote Workers in the UK

Stay Safe While Working from the Couch

Remember when “working from home” sounded like a bit of a novelty? Fast forward to now, and it’s the new normal. The kettle’s your best friend, the commute is a thing of the past, and your dog has decided your keyboard is his new bed. But while we’ve all been settling into this comfier, more flexible work life, something is lurking in the background that’s not quite so cosy—cybersecurity threats.

It’s not just big corporations that hackers target anymore. Small businesses, freelancers, and remote workers are fair game too. And honestly, the bad guys are getting smarter while most of us are just trying to remember where we put our charger.

So, whether you’re working from a flat in Manchester, a cottage in Cornwall, or a café in Brighton (seriously, get a VPN if you’re doing that), here are some down-to-earth, real-life tips to help you stay safe online.

1. Don’t Trust Public Wi-Fi

Let’s start with the big one. Free Wi-Fi might feel like a gift from the internet gods, especially when you’re stuck in a train station trying to send one last email. But it’s a trap. Okay, maybe not always—but you never really know who’s on that network or what tools they’re using.

What to do instead?

• Use your mobile hotspot when you can.
• If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a VPN. No excuses.
• Don’t access sensitive info on public networks—just don’t.

2. Two-Factor Authentication: Annoying but Necessary

You know those extra steps where you get a code texted to your phone? Yeah, they’re not just there to ruin your day—they work. If someone nabs your password, 2FA is that extra wall between them and your accounts.

Pro Tip: Use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy instead of SMS when possible. It’s harder to spoof.

3. Keep Work and Personal Stuff Separate

Look, I get it. You’re on one laptop, juggling Zoom calls, your side hustle, maybe a cheeky ASOS order or two. But mixing your work and personal life on the same machine? That’s asking for trouble.

Here’s why it matters:

• If your device gets infected with malware, your employer’s data could be at risk.
• Work files might get backed up to your cloud storage by mistake.
• Your cat’s name might not be the best password for both your Netflix and your client database.

Best practice?
Use separate user profiles or, ideally, separate devices. It keeps things cleaner and way more secure.

4. Passwords: Make Them Long, Weird, and Unforgettable

Yes, you’ve heard this a thousand times. But we still see “123456” and “password” topping the most-used lists. I mean… come on.

Think of your password like a toothbrush. Don’t share it. Change it often. And don’t use the same one for everything.

Try this:

• Use a password manager like Bitwarden or LastPass.
• Create passphrases instead of passwords (e.g., “CoffeeMug!Loves2025Cats”).
• Avoid obvious stuff—no birthdays, pet names, or football teams.

5. Update. Everything. All the Time.

It’s easy to ignore those pesky update notifications—especially when you’re in the middle of something. But they’re not just fixing bugs—they’re often patching critical vulnerabilities that hackers can (and do) exploit.

So, do this:

• Turn on automatic updates where possible (Windows, macOS, browsers, antivirus software).
• Don’t delay updates on your phone either, especially if you access work email or documents on it.
• Restart your devices occasionally. It helps updates kick in properly. Plus, a fresh start never hurts.

6. Be Suspicious

Phishing emails have gotten scary good. Gone are the days of badly worded Nigerian prince emails. Now, you might get a slick-looking message from “your IT team” asking for a password reset. Or from “Royal Mail” asking you to pay a fee.

Red flags to watch for:

• Weird-looking URLs (like www.yourbank-login.com)
• A sense of urgency (“Respond within 24 hours!”)
• Unexpected attachments or links

What to do?

• Hover over links before clicking.
• If in doubt, contact the sender through a different channel.
• Use an email filter or a service like MailScanner to flag suspicious messages.

7. Lock Your Screen (Even at Home)

Working from home can feel safe. Maybe you’re alone most of the time or just around family. But accidents happen. Kids press buttons. Flatmates snoop. Guests might get curious.

Get in the habit:

• Press Windows + L (or Control + Command + Q on Mac) every time you step away.
• Set your screen to lock automatically after a few minutes of inactivity.

You wouldn’t leave your wallet on a café table—so don’t leave your data exposed either.

8. Secure Your Home Wi-Fi

If your home Wi-Fi still has the default password that came with your router… we need to talk.

Hackers can exploit weak routers to access your devices. Not common, but it happens. And if your network isn’t encrypted properly, anyone nearby could snoop on your activity.

How to lock it down:

• Change your router’s admin login credentials (not just the Wi-Fi password).
• Use WPA3 encryption (or WPA2 if that’s all your router supports).
• Disable WPS. It’s convenient, but vulnerable.
• Don’t name your Wi-Fi “JohnSmithHome” – it’s inviting people to guess.

9. Back It Up Like Your Job Depends on It

One ransomware attack, and all your files could be toast. Regular backups are your safety net.

Set it and forget it:

• Use cloud backup (with encryption) like Backblaze, iDrive, or OneDrive (business version).
• Or keep a physical backup on an external hard drive. Just don’t leave it plugged in all the time.

Whatever you do, don’t rely on a single copy of anything important.

10. Educate Yourself

Cybersecurity isn’t just for the IT crowd anymore. The more you know, the safer you are. Luckily, there are some great resources out there that don’t feel like a textbook.

Worth checking out:

• National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – UK-specific advice, updated regularly.
• Have I Been Pwned – See if your email has been part of a breach.
• Cyber Aware UK – Free training, tips, and plain-English guidance.

The Bottom Line

Remote work in the UK (and everywhere else) is here to stay. And while it brings freedom, it also comes with responsibility. Think of cybersecurity like brushing your teeth. It’s not glamorous. Sometimes it’s a chore. But if you don’t do it, you’re gonna have a bad time.

Take a few steps today, and your future self (and your employer) will thank you. You don’t need to be a tech genius—you just need to stay alert, be a bit skeptical, and remember: the internet’s kind of like London weather—mostly fine, but occasionally chaotic.