Home workers ‘have lots of freedom’

Many remote workers go to great efforts to create a good working environment in the home.

This is very important if their livelihood depends on having a suitable workspace in their own house. After all, they need a decent IT set-up, with a computer, printer and sufficient ink supplies, as well as an ergonomically sound chair and desk.

But with the advent of mobile technology, home workers do not necessarily have to stay in a dedicated home office anymore.

Indeed, Infosecurity Europe has said mobile devices and laptops "have delivered great freedom by enabling people to work when they are out of the office or on the move".

However, the organisation believes some people may be "going too far" by doing some work from the comfort of their own bed.

A survey by Infosecurity Europe found 35 per cent of respondents have either worked while they are under the covers, or seen their partners do so. Figures also showed that these people spend an average of two hours each day working in bed, while many are there for at least one hour.

However, homeworkers cannot afford to get too relaxed when it comes to issues such as data security, as the onus will be firmly on them rather than their employer to safeguard sensitive information.

Infosecurity Europe noted that more than a quarter of those who use a mobile device for work purposes fail to keep it properly secured, which means classified or personal data relating to their business or specific individuals could end up falling into the wrong hands.

Claire Sellick, spokeswoman for the firm, commented: "This survey reveals the scale of the problem for IT security departments who have to secure sensitive communications or transactions, wherever they are being made."

"[Home workers] are leaving themselves vulnerable to security breaches," she added.