Working from home risks — the sneaky stuff you miss

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Working from home feels comfortable — like slippers instead of shoes. That comfort is part of the risk. Home setups are often “good enough” until they are not, and the awkward bits rarely look dramatic. They slip in through convenience.

What sneaks in

Guessable Wi‑Fi — a weak router password lets neighbours or passers‑by sit on your network
Shared devices — work email on the same tablet as games and kids’ apps
Cloud mix‑ups — saving a work file to a personal folder that syncs more widely than you think
Tricky messages — scammers pretending to be your boss, bank, or a delivery firm
Always‑on cameras and mics — fine for calls; less fine if malware or a bad extension is listening

Simple fixes

Strong Wi‑Fi password and updated router firmware
Separate browser profile or device for work where you can
Mfa on email and work tools
Treat unexpected “IT support” calls as suspicious until verified

At the moment of risk

Stop! Pause! Is it urgent? Do you know who it is from? Is it really from who it says it is? A “boss” message on a personal phone while you are making tea deserves the same verify as an office email.

A self-check

Is work email still logged in on a shared family tablet or laptop? If yes, sign out of the accounts that matter — or move work to a profile only you use. Sessions linger where devices are shared.