Common Cybersecurity Mistakes Gig Workers Make

Many companies and businesses are relying on non-employee workers today more than ever before. More and more individuals turn towards flexible, remote work that offers them more freedom. As a result, the gig economy has exploded and grown far beyond simple gigs to include professional, enterprise-level jobs. 

However, as the gig economy grows, so does the threat of cyber-attacks and data breaches. As gig workers operate primarily from home or other remote locations, their data and the data of the companies they are working for are more exposed and at risk due to a lack of cybersecurity. 

As a gig worker, it’s important for you to understand why cybersecurity is important to you and your work. Just because you aren’t working at a fancy office for a big company doesn’t mean you aren’t a target. Cybercriminals look for weaknesses wherever they can find them. Unfortunately, gig workers can make a lot of security mistakes that make them vulnerable and easy targets.  

Why Cybersecurity is Important for Remote Gig Workers

As information is increasingly stored and shared digitally, it’s crucial for gig workers — especially those that work remotely — to have good data security. Information is easily compromised when you are transferring files and sharing other important data between a personal computer and a client’s or employer’s work computer. 

Most gig workers do not use highly secured, private networks. This not only puts a client’s data at risk, but it can put your own personal and private information at risk as well. If you work remotely and store or share any private and sensitive information on your personal computer, it is extremely necessary to take measures to secure and protect this data. 

Data breaches can cost the clients and companies you work for a significant amount of money. That hurts them and, potentially, you, as it can tarnish your reputation as a trusted gig worker. Your own private and personal information can also be stolen if you are not careful. If your identity or other personal information is compromised, it can have a negative impact on your life and your finances. 

Companies Are Concerned About the Security Threat of Gig Work 

Gig workers and non-employees are now being seen as insider threats to businesses due to their lack of data security. Experts believe that most insider threats are not malicious. They believe most happen accidentally due to mistakes that contract and gig workers make. This is because, as a remote, non-employee, you do not have as much insight into the company’s security policies. You are also likely working from an unsecured network or one with minimal security. 

The key to mitigating these risks is to communicate with the client or company that has hired you about their security policies and to take action yourself to ensure the information stored and shared on your computer is more secure. Despite the concerns about the threat to security, gig work is likely here to stay. But, this means workers will need to be more mindful of their cybersecurity practices if they want to get hired. 

Cybersecurity Mistakes Gig Workers Are Making 

Part of being a successful gig worker isn’t just about having good business and communication skills. It’s also about showing potential clients and employers that you aren’t a security threat. When someone hires you for a gig, they need to know that you are taking precautions to keep their private information and data safe. Of course, good data security is also essential to keep your personal information protected as well. 

Here are some of the top cybersecurity mistakes gig workers should avoid in order to mitigate risks: 

• Reusing old, weak passwords: A good, strong password can go a long way towards protecting information from data breaches. Unfortunately, many gig workers will reuse the same simple passwords repeatedly. Understandably, using easy passwords is more convenient when you have so many logins to remember. But, this makes you incredibly vulnerable. You should be using unique and strong passwords for your logins, especially when it involves your work. 

• Not using antivirus software: If you have a computer that is susceptible to viruses, it is crucial that you use antivirus software. Without this software, you are more vulnerable to phishing scams, malware, and other cyber threats. Antivirus software is readily available, and some are even free, so there is no excuse.    

• Working from a public network with a VPN: It is not uncommon for gig workers to work from remote, public locations such as coffee shops and bookstores. However, public Wi-Fi is a major security threat. Hackers specifically target places that offer public Wi-Fi, knowing that they can easily get in and steal information. If you are working from a public, unsecured location, using a virtual private network (VPN) is essential. 

• Not securing and backing up files: In case of a data breach, it is crucial to secure and back up important files. This is a huge mistake that gig workers make. Many don’t think about what will happen if their system gets hacked. Unfortunately, recovering stolen data is difficult. You should always back up and secure your files on an external hard drive or another secure form of internet storage, such as the cloud. 

It’s Worth Taking the Time to Be Safe

Whether you are a freelancer or a contractor, good data security is essential. Cyber attacks and data breaches are becoming increasingly common, so it is important for you to take extra precautions to protect your own personal data and the data of those you work for. If companies think you are a threat, they will not hire you.

About the Author: Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland area. She has a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.