Best Security Tips all Freelancers Ought to Know

Every day, online fraudsters devise various means of hacking and extorting important data from both freelancers and other online gurus.

Nowadays, they do that without being under the pump. All they need to do is, cause you to take actions that will give them access to your data without you even knowing.

This is why freelancers need to be conscious and alert all the time. So, as a freelancer, observing precautionary measures to ensure that your computer or gadget is well protected from online hoodlums should be your utmost priority.

In this article, we’ll explore the 11 best security tips all freelancers ought to know. In case you are not a freelancer yet and you want to become one, you can learn How to Move From Full-Time to Freelancing work.

Carefully read!

Best Security Tips you need as a Freelancer

Here are 11 Best Security tips you need as a Freelancer:

#1. Often Change your Passwords

As a freelancer, one of the security tips you must learn is how to often change your passwords. The truth is, changing your passwords from time to time make it harder for any third party to break in.

This works more perfect when your passwords are difficult to guess. You can use uppercase, lowercase letters, symbols and numbers. Note, don’t use your full name, birthday or your nickname as passwords because someone that knows you can easily guess it right.

#2. Update Your Softwares

This is another security tip every freelancer must employ to avoid falling victim of fraud. According to CNN, cyber criminals rely on computer bugs that have been about 90 percent of the time since 2002 in un-updated applications.

Keeping your operating system and other applications up-to-date will make it more difficult for hackers to access your information.

#3. Get virus security tools

Ensure you get virus security tools. These tools will help detect viruses and some malicious softwares that were installed on your computer when you visited illegitimate websites or open infected email attachments that access your personal and financial information), ransomware, etc.

Read also: 7 Ways Hiring a Freelance Writer Can Save Your Business Money

#4. Just accept encrypted payments.

If you accept payments for your work online, select a reliable and safe service, such as PayPal.
Remember, you’re a corporation as a freelancer.

You may not have all the same resources as a big corporation, but you can take the required measures to keep your data and reputation secure from hackers that will save you time and money in the long run.

#5. Use a Dedicated Email Address

It is not advisable to use your personal email for your freelancing account. It’s wiser to open another email account that will be dedicated to just your freelance work only.

That way, your personal account won’t be compromised if a scammer or hacker is targeting your freelance account.

Moreso, it will also keep you organized, as all of your work-related emails will be in an account that is separate from your personal account.

#6. Know What Information to Share

The thought of sharing your personal information with your employer doesn’t seem too strange, does it?

Well, when you’re working online doing freelance work, it can be a security risk. It’s likely that you can’t confirm the actual identity of the person you’re working for, and it’s rare that you would have their address (not to mention that anyone online can give you false information).

Never share your banking details, passwords, or social security number and if you can avoid it, try to keep your address to yourself as well.

Employers really shouldn’t require too much information from you, especially if the job is temporary.

#7. Don’t Install any Software

Sometimes fraudsters come to you as clients, expecting you to download some kind of software or official remote access app. Once you download or install such softaware, they’ll have access to your computer or smartphone.

So, to be on safe side, don’t install any software unless it’s from the official sources or website.

#8. Avoid any ex.e Files

Don’t open any executable or ex.e file. And in a situation where you must open, check the file with antivirus engine to ensure that it’s protected.

#9. Avoid Enabling Macros on any Microsoft package

Do not enable macros in Microsoft Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and so on. Macros are basically executables hidden in files, and malefactors love to fool people by sending seemingly innocent documents that actually contain malware, just like in the case described above.

#10. Don’t Disclose your Credit Card details in any Freelancing Platform

Normally, if you are writing on any platform like Writersgig, Fiverr, or Upwork, you will be expected to input your bank details.

Avoid sending a screenshot of your credit car, the expiration date of your card, or CVC/CVV code. No legit writing platform will demand for any of the information before they can pay you. They can only ask for your account number nothing else.

#11. Avoid Opening All Links

Do not open links or emails that look suspicious. Hover over the links to make sure it matches with the link to the address.

Bottom Line

If you follow all of the tips mentioned in this article, you shouldn’t have any issues with security breaches any time soon.