How to protect your remote workforce from cyber threats
Over the last years, we’ve seen remote work mature from a temporary coronavirus-related measure to a permanent feature of working life. The modern internet makes it possible to connect with one another, and contribute digital labour from just about anywhere in the world.
But, for all of the considerable advantages offered by this way of doing things, there are some major security-related downsides, too. If you’re going to get the best from your remote workers, and mitigate the risks, you’ll need to take a few precautionary measures.
Secure your network at home and beyond
If a worker is connecting to a WiFi network, whether it’s at home or in public, they run the risk that an outsider will find their way into the network, and intercept data being sent by the victim. If you’re trying to connect to the WiFi in, say, a cafe, then you might even fall victim to a so-called ‘evil twin’ attack, which involves a malicious actor creating a ‘fake’ network for you to log into, whose traffic can be easily spied upon.
A good VPN, browser-level encryption, and a good set of habits when it comes to password strength and multi-factor authentication can be invaluable.
Train your team to recognise threats
The weakest links in any digital security system are often the human beings who work behind and within it. This goes even for team members in technical roles. A well-crafted phishing email might tempt a person into clicking on a malicious link – and the results for your business might be disastrous.
The way to deal with this is through the right schedule of proactive training. Make sure that your team is aware of where the risks lie, and how they might be guarded against.
Keep devices updated and monitored
Software must be continuously developed, in order to address the security vulnerabilities that might be discovered and exploited by malicious actors. An outdated operating system might allow an entire system to be compromised. It’s for this reason that key software, like firewalls, antiviruses, and operating systems will update automatically.
Update regularly. Make sure also that you monitor your endpoints, and that you have alerts in place so that you can react quickly to suspicious activity. Managed firewall services might take care of this on your behalf.
Develop a clear security policy
If your remote workers aren’t clear on what you expect from them, then they might take liberties when it comes to security. Make sure that you set rules regarding password formation, lost devices and drives, and file sharing. By having a clear policy, and enforcing it, you’ll create consistent norms and behaviours among your remote workforce. The right culture can help to protect you.
Conclusion
When breaches are avoided, and reacted to quickly, you can safeguard the trust of your clients, and keep your business profitable. This might mean a combination of cultural changes, and technical ones.