Featured Post from Augusta University

Hybrid working or setting up shop at home for good? Our experts answer key questions about keeping your home office safe and secure

Feb 1, 2022

3 min

Jeffrey Morris, PhD


The modern office has changed. According to some experts, it’s much overdue. For others, the idea of the separation of domestic and professional lives is still something to accept.


Either way, with the onset of COVID-19 and as workplaces adjust to life after the pandemic, working from home is the new norm for many people and it’s likely going to stay that way indefinitely for some.


With that reality also comes the fact that your home office needs to be just as safe and secure as your former place of work once was.


Worry not – we’ve got experts who can help. It’s why we asked Augusta University’s Dr. Jeffrey Morris, assistant professor in the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, for some easy tips and helpful advice on making that happen.



How to separate home or work?


The best way to keep work materials safe would be to have a separate device that is used only for work, such as a company-supplied laptop.


Since most of us will not have devices supplied to us, the next best would be to use a device that has minimal other use:


  • Try not to use a computer that the rest of the family uses.


  • If others use the computer, create a new user login and use that for work only.


  • Keep all your work files in an encrypted folder.


  • Ensure you have security software installed on the computer you are using for work.


Some of the other ways include using a Virtual Private Network, which I’ll address in the next question.




What's the best way to secure your connection?


Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a must. Hopefully, your work will provide a VPN connection for use. With the spread of cloud data storage, ensuring all connections are secured (the little lock icon in your browser is visible) is a must.


If you have a work laptop/computer assigned to you, do you need to take additional steps to secure it while working from home?


Much like being in the workplace, the same rules apply:


  • You should log out of the device once you are done working for the day. This prevents accidental use of the computer by others in the home.


  • Turning the device off when not in use is a good way to ensure this.


  • The device needs to be physically secured as well.


If the device does not have an anti-virus software program installed from work, you need to ensure it has it before you use it at home.



What are the biggest red flags you should look out for?


Be wary of emails. Many people mix their work and personal emails when working from home. You may receive a phishing email to your personal email that is aimed at accessing your work email and computers.


Cybercriminals are aware that many people are working from home and trying to gain access to company networks by breaking into home computers and waiting for the user to log into company networks or cloud storage.



And don’t forget … Updates. Do them as often as possible.


Keep your computers updated. This includes not only the operating system but all the other programs installed on the machine.


Cybercriminals are targeting all the other software on the computers as the operating systems are getting harder to exploit. There are programs available that can inventory the software on a computer and tell you which programs need updating.


Looking to know more? Then let us help.


Dr. Jeffrey Morris is an assistant professor at Augusta University’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. He’s available to speak about keeping your home office safe – simply click on is icon now to arrange an interview today.


Connect with:
Jeffrey Morris, PhD

Jeffrey Morris, PhD

Assistant Professor, School of Computer and Cyber Sciences
Quantum CryptographyQuantum ComputingDefense and SecuritySystems EngineeringNational Security
Powered by

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from Augusta University

2 min

Augusta University public health experts discuss building recovery through economic stability

In this candid conversation, Vahé Heboyan, PhD, and Marlo Vernon, PhD, talk about their work at the intersection of public health, economic stability and substance use disorder recovery. The interviews are centered on Augusta University's public health-driven small business training initiative and explore how recovery is strengthened when communities invest in people and provide practical paths to long-term stability. Heboyan, a professor in AU's School of Public Health and a public health expert with a background as an economist, explains that economic vulnerability often hinders recovery, especially in rural areas with limited resources where risk-taking can be costly. He translates economic research into public health practice, emphasizing that small businesses and microenterprises are about providing a sustainable income for individuals and families, not creating large corporations. This stability, he notes, can have a ripple effect, supporting local economies, job opportunities and community resilience. Vernon, whose research focuses on maternal and infant health, as well as substance use disorder recovery, highlights the human side of recovery and the importance of financial security for families. She notes that economic instability can increase the risk of relapse, especially for mothers in recovery who are supporting children. Her insights show that entrepreneurship can be a public health tool, addressing income, dignity, confidence and long-term wellbeing. Both interviews emphasize the key role of community in recovery. Heboyan points out the power of peer support and shared experience, noting how participants use their past challenges as strengths. Vernon agrees, emphasizing that effective public health work requires building relationships and engaging with communities over time, rather than just conducting short-term research. Together, the interviews show that recovery is part of a larger ecosystem that includes economic opportunity, mentorship and community trust. The video illustrates how combining economics, public health and lived experience can create lasting, meaningful impact for individuals in recovery and their communities. Looking to know more? Click on Dr. Vernon's profile below. To connect with Dr. Heboyan, simply contact AU's Communications team via email (mediarelations@augusta.edu) to arrange an interview today.

2 min

A Snapshot of the Local Economy: Simon Medcalfe on Growth, Risk, and What Comes Next

At Augusta University’s annual Economic Forecast Breakfast hosted by the James M. Hull College of Business, Simon Medcalfe, PhD, offered a grounded, data-driven look at how the local economy is performing — and what lies ahead. Speaking to business leaders, students and community stakeholders, Medcalfe emphasized the importance of distinguishing real economic growth from inflation-driven gains, noting that while the Augusta region continues to grow, it does so at a measured pace compared to national averages. His presentation framed the local economy as stable and resilient, but not immune to broader forces shaping the U.S. outlook. A key theme of Medcalfe’s remarks was the role of research, innovation and education in sustaining long-term economic health. He pointed to strong gains in research and development across Georgia and highlighted how university-based research directly contributes to regional economic output. According to Medcalfe, investment in knowledge creation remains one of the most reliable drivers of growth, reinforcing the value of higher education institutions as economic anchors. Simon Medcalfe, PhD, is an economist with an emphasis on sports economics, social determinants of health, and the local economy. View his profile At the same time, Medcalfe cautioned against complacency. While regional fundamentals remain solid, he stressed that uncertainty at the national level continues to pose risks. “However, uncertainty abounds in national macroeconomic policy that could negatively impact growth next year,” Medcalfe said, underscoring how unresolved fiscal decisions and policy shifts can ripple down to local economies. Still, his overall outlook balanced realism with optimism. Medcalfe concluded that the Augusta region — and Georgia more broadly — is positioned to weather uncertainty thanks to diversification, investment in early education, and continued research activity. “Overall, Augusta and Georgia are positioned well for economic growth in 2026 with a strong commitment to early childhood education, a diversified labor market and strong research and development,” he said. View the full article 'Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast offers snapshot of the local economy' here: For journalists covering regional economics, workforce development, higher education, or policy-driven growth trends, Simon Medcalfe, PhD, offers clear-eyed analysis rooted in data — and an ability to translate complex economic signals into insight that matters locally. Simon is available to speak with media - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

2 min

From Libraries to Heart Health: Marlo Vernon Takes Cardiovascular Care Into Rural Georgia

Marlo Vernon, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Health Management, Economics, and Policy at Augusta University’s School of Public Health, is leading a creative public health initiative designed to improve cardiovascular monitoring in rural Georgia. Through the university’s Rural Obese At-Risk initiative, Vernon and her team are placing blood pressure monitors in local libraries, allowing residents to check them out just like books. The effort addresses a critical access gap in rural communities where preventive health tools are often limited or difficult to obtain. Vernon’s work focuses on the realities facing communities in the South’s so-called Stroke Belt, where overlapping health conditions significantly elevate cardiovascular risk. View her profile “There are significant chronic disease risk factors in this so-called Stroke Belt. We’ve got high obesity rates. We have family history. We have high rates of diabetes and kidney disease and they all kind of feed into each other to really create this cardiovascular health need in our communities. And women, in general, are just at a higher risk for this,” said Marlo Vernon, PhD. Beyond equipment access, Vernon’s research also examines how people understand and manage their health when traditional care options are limited. The library-based model helps normalize blood pressure monitoring while reducing barriers such as travel distance, cost, and limited clinic availability. It also creates opportunities to study how community-based solutions can improve awareness, engagement, and long-term cardiovascular outcomes. For journalists covering rural health, women’s health, chronic disease prevention, or innovative public-health strategies, Vernon offers grounded, real-world insight into how trusted community spaces can play a vital role in addressing persistent health disparities. A full article on this topic is available below.  To arrange an interview with Dr. Vernon simply click on her iconnow  to set up a time to talk today.

View all posts
Powered by