Top Ten Priorities for Securing a Work-at-Home Environment (for Women-Owned Small Businesses)
Working from home offers flexibility, but it also introduces unique cybersecurity risks—especially for women-owned small businesses, where resources may be stretched and home environments are often shared with family or guests. This guide outlines the top ten priorities to help you secure your work-at-home setup, whether you live alone or with others.
1. Separate Work and Personal Devices and Networks
Risk: Mixing work and personal activities increases the chance of accidental data leaks, malware infections, and privacy breaches.
Why It Matters: Personal browsing, downloads, or family members’ activities can compromise business data.
Prevention:
Use separate devices for work and personal use whenever possible.
If only one device is an option, create separate user accounts or profiles for work and personal use.
Set up a dedicated work network to isolate business traffic from household devices. Your internet provider may offer a separate work network for an additional fee—or even a guest network for free. If you’re comfortable, you can also buy an additional router and set up your own separate networks.
2. Secure Your Home Wi-Fi and Router
Risk: Default router settings are easily exploited by attackers, exposing all connected devices.
Why It Matters: An insecure router (like one that uses a default admin password) is a gateway for hackers to access your network and sensitive business data.
Prevention:
Change default admin usernames and passwords.
Use strong, unique Wi-Fi passwords and WPA3 encryption if available.
Disable remote administration and Universal Plug-n-Play (UPnP).
Regularly reboot your router and update its firmware.
Not sure how to do this? If your router came from your internet provider, they can walk you through it. If you purchased your own, check the manufacturer’s instructions online.
Note! 📌 Active Exploitation of Old TP-Link Routers Small businesses using the very common TP-Link routers—especially older, unsupported models—are at significant risk. These devices can be remotely compromised, giving attackers a foothold into your network or using your devices as part of wider cyberattacks. See if you are using any of these models: TL-WR940N, TL-WR841N, TL-WR740N. Update the firmware. If you are using models that are no longer supported, buy new routers to replace them. (There have been talks about the US banning them as a security risk, so consider whether another maker makes sense.)
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords and a Password Manager
Risk: Weak or reused passwords are a leading cause of data breaches.
Why It Matters: Compromised credentials can lead to unauthorized access to business systems and data.
Prevention:
Create complex, unique passwords for all accounts.
Use a reputable password manager to store and generate passwords.
4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Risk: Passwords alone are often not enough to stop attackers.
Why It Matters: MFA adds a critical layer of protection, even if your password is compromised.
Prevention:
Turn on MFA for all business and personal accounts, especially email, banking, and cloud storage.
5. Keep Devices and Software Up-to-Date
Risk: Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
Why It Matters: Regular updates patch security holes and improve overall protection.
Prevention:
Enable automatic updates for operating systems, browsers, and apps.
Regularly check for firmware updates on routers and IoT devices.
Need help? Your internet provider can usually assist with firmware updates. If you bought a separate router, look up the instructions online.
6. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for Business Activities
Risk: Data sent over the internet can be intercepted, especially on public or unsecured networks.
Why It Matters: VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, protecting sensitive business communications.
Prevention:
Use a trusted VPN when accessing business resources remotely.
Avoid public Wi-Fi for work unless connected through a VPN.
Wondering if you need one at home? For everyday home use, a VPN is typically not required. But if you're handling sensitive customer data, the extra protection may be worth it. (Note: VPNs can slow down your internet and may cause issues with some websites.)
7. Install and Maintain Antivirus/Anti-malware Software
Risk: Malware can steal data, lock files (ransomware), or spy on activities.
Why It Matters: Antivirus tools detect and block many common threats before they cause harm.
Prevention:
Use reputable antivirus software and keep it updated on all devices.
Run regular scans and act on any alerts.
Tip: Some internet and mobile providers include antivirus tools in your plan—check what’s available.
8. Educate Household Members About Phishing and Social Engineering
Risk: Phishing emails and social engineering attacks are the most common way hackers gain access.
Why It Matters: Anyone in the household can be targeted, potentially exposing business data.
Prevention:
Train yourself and family members to recognize suspicious emails, links, and attachments.
Use email filters and verify requests for sensitive information.
9. Regularly Back Up Critical Business Data
Risk: Ransomware, hardware failure, or accidental deletion can result in data loss.
Why It Matters: Backups are your insurance policy—without them, recovery may be impossible.
Prevention:
Set up automatic, encrypted backups to the cloud or an external drive.
Test your backups regularly to ensure they work.
10. Manage Guest and Family Access
Risk: Guests or children may inadvertently introduce threats or access sensitive business information.
Why It Matters: Unrestricted access increases the risk of accidental or intentional compromise.
Prevention:
Set up a separate guest Wi-Fi network for visitors.
Restrict access to work devices and files—lock screens when away, and use physical security where possible (e.g., locked drawers).
Clearly communicate boundaries and rules for device and network use.
Think of it this way: Just like you separate business and personal bank accounts, it’s smart to separate your business and personal tech tools. Mixing them increases your risk.
Special Considerations for Women-Owned Businesses
Financial and Identity Risks: We often manage both business and household finances, making us disproportionally targeted by phishing, fraud, and identity theft.
Online Harassment: We face online harassment, requiring additional privacy and security practices.
Resource Constraints: Many of us operate without dedicated IT support, so we want solutions that are practical, affordable, and easy to implement.
Securing your work-at-home environment isn’t just about technology—it’s about creating habits, setting boundaries, and building a culture of security for yourself, your family, and your business. By following these ten priorities, you can confidently protect your business and thrive in the remote work era.
Have a question or a challenge? Email me (right click and copy address or just email [email protected])! I love helping other women business owners find creative, practical solutions to their security headaches. Whether it’s finding the right tech, setting up a family-friendly workspace, or just commiserating about the chaos of working from home, I’m here for you. Together, we can make cybersecurity a seamless part of your daily life—so you can focus on what matters most: your business, your family, and your dreams.
