As remote work becomes more common, protecting your business from cybersecurity threats is more important than ever. Employees are your last line of defense against these rising attacks.
But, what about those who work remotely? A peer-reviewed study found that remote workers are often more aware of cybersecurity risks and more likely to take action to prevent them compared to those in traditional office settings.1
With that in mind, it’s best to equip your remote team with the right tools and knowledge to stay more secure.
What Are The Key Security Concerns When Working Remotely
First, let’s address the key security concerns that businesses face when employees work remotely:
1. Data Protection
Your company’s sensitive information could be at risk if employees are accessing it from home. This includes customer data, financial records, and proprietary business information. Without proper security measures, this data can be stolen or leaked.
2. Device Security
Personal devices used for work, like laptops or tablets, may have a different level of security than company-provided devices. They might lack essential security updates and / or Endpoint protection, making them vulnerable to attacks.
3. Phishing Attacks
Working remotely often involves more email communication. This can increase the risk of phishing attacks, where cybercriminals try to fool employees into revealing sensitive information or installing malware.
4. Access Control
Managing who has access to what information becomes more challenging when employees are remote. You must ensure that only authorized people can access certain data or systems, even from afar.
5. Data Backup
With regular backups, you can avoid losing important information if something goes wrong. Employees working remotely might not follow backup protocols as rigorously as they would in the office.
6. Physical Security
Employees’ home offices might not be as secure as your workplace. If a laptop is stolen or if someone gains unauthorized access to their home office, it could lead to a data breach.
7. Compliance Issues
Different regions may have different regulations for data protection. Ensuring that remote work complies with all relevant laws can be challenging, especially when employees are scattered across various locations.
To address these concerns, it’s recommended to implement strategies to help protect your business data.
How To Maintain Security When Employees Work Remotely
Maintaining security when employees work remotely is necessary for protecting your business from possible threats. Here’s how you can do it effectively:
1. Implement Access Controls
Not everyone needs to see all the information. Make sure that employees only have access to the data necessary for their specific role.
For instance, in an episode of The Cybersecurity Insider podcast, Yigal of 2Secure and guest Seth Melendez of WareGeeks Solutions, proposed a shared responsibility model where marketing takes care of content, while IT or security handles the website’s functionality and security.
2. Use VPNs & Encryption
When employees connect to your company’s network from home, they should use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN creates a secure connection and hides their online activity. Also, use encryption to protect data.
Encryption scrambles information so it’s unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the right key, keeping your data safe from prying eyes.
VPN connections should be protected using 2FA.
Don’t allow RDP “Remote Desktop Protocol” from outside directly to an internal systems. This configuration will lead to a Ransomware attack.
3. Secure Devices
Ensure that all devices used for work, whether company-issued or personal, are equipped with up-to-date Endpoint Protection software and security patches.
Implement device management policies that include requirements for strong passwords, automatic locking, and remote wipe capabilities in case a device is lost or stolen. This helps protect against unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
4. Train Employees
It’s important to provide regular training for your employees on how to recognize and handle security threats.
Teach them about social engineering attacks (such as phishing), the importance of using strong passwords, and how to keep their devices secure. The more they know, the better they can protect both their own information and your company’s data.
5. Secure Communication
When employees are working remotely, they often communicate via email, messaging apps, or video calls.
Use secure methods for these communications, such as encrypted email or messaging platforms. This ensures that the information shared stays private and isn’t intercepted by unauthorized people.
6. Monitor & Audit
Keep an eye on how your systems and data are being used. Regularly monitor access logs and conduct audits to ensure that your security measures are working and that there haven’t been any unusual activities.
This helps you spot and address potential issues before they become serious problems.
7. Regular Backup & Disaster Recovery
Make sure you regularly backup important data. This means creating copies of your files and storing them in a safe place, like cloud storage or an external drive.
If something goes wrong, like a cyberattack or hardware failure, you can quickly recover your data. Having a disaster recovery plan helps you know what steps to take if an issue occurs, so you can get your systems up and running again with minimal downtime.
8. Have A Security Incident Response Plan
Prepare for potential security incidents by having a clear plan in place. This plan should outline what to do if there’s a data breach or other security issue.
It includes steps for identifying the problem, containing it, and fixing it. Make sure everyone knows their role in this plan, so you can respond quickly and effectively to any security threats.
FAQ
How Do You Stay Secure While Working From Home?
To stay secure while working from home, use a VPN for safe connections, encrypt sensitive data, and regularly update security patches on your devices. Implement strong access controls, and follow company training on recognizing phishing scams and other threats. Regularly backup important data and have a clear response plan for security incidents.
How Can I Protect My Business Assets While My Employees Work From Home?
To protect your business assets while employees work from home, use a VPN, enforce encryption, and ensure devices have the latest security updates. Set up access controls to limit data access, train employees on security best practices, and regularly backup important data. Have a response plan ready for any security incidents.
How Can My Business Establish A Remote Work Policy?
To establish a remote work policy, define clear guidelines for security, communication, and performance. 2Secure can help by providing tailored work-from-home solutions and training to protect your data and maintain productivity. Regularly review and update your policy to adapt to new challenges.
Source:
- Nwankpa, J. K., & Datta, P. (2023). Remote Vigilance: The Roles of Cyber Awareness and Cybersecurity Policies Among Remote Workers. Computers & Security, 130, 103266–103266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cose.2023.103266
