The world underwent a major shift in 2020 with the onset of COVID-19, and businesses are still seeing the lasting effects. Many companies were forced to transition to remote work or close their doors entirely.
While some workers have returned to offices, a significant number of employees continue to work from home. This shift has brought about new challenges, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity.
Remote workers often rely on personal devices and unsecured Wi-Fi networks, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Without proper safeguards in place, businesses risk jeopardizing their own security.
To protect both employees and sensitive company data, organizations need to take proactive measures to strengthen their cybersecurity. Here are a few tips to ensure your remote workers are safe from cyberattacks.
Install Security Software
Provide remote workers with up-to-date, strong security software and teach them how to install it correctly. Choose a program that includes antivirus, anti-malware, intrusion protection, and firewalls.
An effective security software will help prevent ransomware, phishing attacks, and other security issues. Protect the company network by ensuring remote devices meet with security protocols before being allowed access to the network.
Rather than allowing remote workers to use their own devices, your company may choose to provide encrypted devices to each employee. You can then ensure that devices are secured and maintained by the organization, with strict standards being kept.
You can also resort to application allowlisting or maintain a blocklist of applications so your staff only uses approved software.
According to threatlocker.com, application allowlisting is a key part of endpoint security as it prevents untrusted software and ensures only specific, safe applications operate on your network.
Remote employees should be required to use private, secure Wi-Fi networks, rather than public Wi-Fi. To protect their documents, remote employees should use cloud storage, so if there is an attack, they won’t lose their files. Beyond these tips, IT should regularly scan devices and ensure they are updated.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
VPNs create a communication tunnel that is encrypted so that a remote device can access a company’s network with reduced risks. Data that travels these tunnels is not accessible to individuals outside the VPN. It enables remote workers to be anonymous, providing security for their device.
Use a business VPN rather than a consumer VPN. This type of service will have undergone stricter testing and offers better control for corporations. The IT department will be able to customize the network using DNS settings, access controls, HTTPS certificates, and subnet routing. The business network and the remote device will act as if they are physically connected, making for safer performance.
Whether the corporate services are in the office, in the cloud, or across the globe, remote employees can access them securely. They won’t be exposing the data to the rest of the internet in the process.
VPNs also enable employees to access different remote applications simultaneously. Since the device is connected through a virtual network, it can utilize anything it needs to in the connected network. This allows employees access to databases, printers, and documents easily.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
If you want to add extra security rather than relying only on password strength, use MFA. This requires employees to provide verification of their identity besides their password. Even if one’s login information is compromised, scammers still cannot access the accounts. MFA is said to block 99.9% of cyberattacks.
MFA relies on multiple factors to verify one’s identity. This usually begins with something you know, such as a password. Then it includes something you have, usually a code sent to your phone. And lastly, it could include something you are, like a biometric.
Common MFA options include SMS codes, security keys, apps for authentication, and biometrics. An SMS code option is when a one-time-use code is sent via SMS to your phone. Security keys include a physical device that is connected to your computer, which generates codes.
An authenticator app is an app on your phone which generates codes. Biometrics could include your fingerprint or face recognition software to verify who you are.
Teach Safety Protocols
Remote employees often work outside of IT’s reach, making it extremely important that they are properly trained in safety protocols. Teach workers how to create a strong password. It should be long and use a mix of characters, including upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. It should not use common words, predictable patterns, or personal information.
Train employees on safe web browsing and how to recognize and respond to phishing attempts. They should follow safety rules precisely and consistently. Your company should have fast and clear responses to potential attacks. Remote employees should be taught that it’s better to report a non-incident than fail to report a real attack.
Since cybercriminals take advantage of vulnerabilities such as outdated software, it’s important to train employees to regularly update safety software. If software is not regularly updated, scammers and hackers can gain unauthorized access to your system much more easily, potentially leading to data breaches or system compromises.
To minimize this risk, organizations should create a routine for employees to install updates as soon as they are available. Encourage employees to stop all other activities and ensure that updates are applied across all devices—whether personal or company-owned—to prevent any security gaps.
Safeguard Remote Teams
Remote work is here to stay, and businesses must adapt to this new reality by ensuring that they are not compromising their security in the process. By implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, companies can mitigate the risks associated with remote work, safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of their operations.
Investing in strong firewalls, multi-factor authentication, and employee training on cyber threats can go a long way in protecting against potential breaches.
Once a solid security program is in place, organizations can confidently expand their workforce, embracing the flexibility and diversity that a global team offers while maintaining a secure, efficient work environment. This proactive approach to security empowers companies to build a resilient workforce without compromising on safety.
