Even though working from home is more convenient, it exposes individuals and businesses to a wide range of cybersecurity risks.
The mass shift in working from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic caused a rise in cyberattacks, and businesses are trying to figure out how to keep themselves safe.
Even though working from home is more convenient, it exposes individuals and businesses to a wide range of cybersecurity risks.
Without security protections, we are far more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The main reason is that most of our tasks are conducted online. If something is on the internet, there is always the possibility of hackers compromising it.
Many companies did not have an infrastructure to support a massive amount of employees working from home. Most firms' infrastructure is designed to accommodate a small portion of the employee population working remotely.
If a company allows a large number of employees to work remotely, it must make sure that its corporate structure and infrastructure can handle the strain. They have to set the security guidelines and policies for remote work to ensure that their sensitive data isn’t exposed.
Measures to be taken by an organisation
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Are you ensuring that employees use a VPN?
VPNs encrypt your internet traffic on unsecured networks and protect your online identity. This feature makes it hard for third parties to track your activities and steal your data online. Ensure your employees use the VPN exclusively while working and when accessing company information systems remotely.
Nowadays, companies' entire workforces are bound to corporate networks from home; sometimes, without a company-issued laptop with a VPN and all the important settings for secure access, VDI is getting a second look.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
VDI introduces a new way of managing user environments. It is also known as thin-client computing or desktop virtualisation. VDI utilises virtualisation software that allows users to work and access applications and services outside the office or from a remote location.
VDI provides flexibility as employees can work on their own device, from home or in the office, loading up their virtual desktop - without interfering with their own personal files.
Secure your Wi-Fi Connections
Today most of the houses have secured Wi-Fi systems. Employees must be aware that unsecured public Wi-Fi networks in public places are prime spots for malicious groups to spy on internet traffic and collect sensitive information.
Home Routers
Are the home routers kept up to date with security patches?
Many people around us don’t even change the home router password when first installed. The first step is to change the router password and create a strong new one. The employees must ensure that the firmware updates are installed so that security vulnerabilities are patched.
Use strong passwords
The initial step is to make sure your passwords are strong enough. Use different passwords for different places. Use long and strong passwords across your accounts. Never share your passwords with anyone.
Two Factor Authentication (2FA)
Do you encourage the use of 2FA to validate credentials?
This adds an extra layer of security or protection to ensure the safety of online accounts beyond just a username and password. Employees must be made aware of following this up as only strong passwords are not enough because sometimes data breaches occur where employee credentials are leaked or exposed.
Backups
Do you encourage staff to backup data regularly?
The files should be backed up regularly. During ransomware attacks, all the files can be lost. One of the most cost-effective and effective ways to secure important files is to preserve a backup of data in the cloud.
Firewalls
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic. This can prevent the entry of malicious programs and stop data leaking from employees.
Encryption
Are you aware of encryption?
Encryption is the method by which original information is converted to secret code that hides the information’s true meaning. Encryption tools must be installed on employee devices to communicate sensitive information with fellow workers.
Locking Devices
Employees must practice keeping their devices secure in public places. When you finish using your devices, log out from them as their content will be protected until someone enters the password.
Be wary of email scams
Employees must be warned of the suspicious links embedded in emails or other forms from unknown people - train employees on how to spot and handle phishing attacks.
Contact for reporting problems
Provide contact info of your company’s Incident Response Team so that employees can contact them if they experience any security problems.
According to the Velocity Smart Technology Market Research Report 2021, half of UK workers cited a lack of motivation while working remotely.
This is a significant reason as tired and unmotivated employees are more liable to make careless errors that can impact the company's security.
Nowadays, remote work has become so common that companies need to build up the necessary guidelines and policies to minimise their exposure to cybersecurity risks.
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