The Importance of Cybersecurity in Remote Work
Table of Contents
It is undeniable that remote work is on the rise. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in individuals and businesses that prefer remote work. While this work style brings numerous benefits, it is accompanied by several cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Hence, it is imperative to comprehend the source of risks and devise strategies to prevent potential security breaches.
What Cyber Threats Are Associated With Remote Work
Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks
There are considerable risks present with home and public wifi networks. They are often not secure, which is a major problem. Many remote workers prefer using the available Wi-Fi from locales like coffee shops or libraries. Nevertheless, such public connections often lack adequate security, making the transmitted data vulnerable. This leaves room for potential hackers to steal sensitive business information or credentials.
For home networks, it’s beneficial for companies to mandate that employees adopt maximum security measures. Regarding public Wi-Fi, we strongly encourage your employees to use VPNs. VPNs can obscure their data and make it challenging for anyone to access the transmitted information.
Lack of Standardization
With an array of remote employees, the company’s computing infrastructure has become increasingly diverse. In other words, users may employ various devices, software, operating systems, and brands. This can leave lots of open doors for hackers to get into.
In the era before remote work, companies used to standardize business devices that were all set up and used similarly. Now, so many different devices are connected to the same network. This makes spotting irregularities a challenge. Where feasible, the optimal solution would be implementing standardization among remote employees.
Use of Personal Devices
It’s common for remote employees to have personal devices in their workspace. For example, an employee working remotely from home may use a company laptop for work and have a personal desktop computer or laptop at their disposal. However, they might occasionally transfer work data to their personal device.
This practice entails multiple risks, including unsafe data migration, potential exposure of information, and the risk of personal devices being infected with malware. Moreover, many individuals use the same device for personal and professional purposes, augmenting security risks. The optimal approach is to designate a specific device for professional use.
Irresponsible Use
Human error will likely trump a strong security presence. Human errors and misuse of devices make your system vulnerable to online breaches. This principle applies to both office employees and remote employees. However, remote employees, due to the relaxed environment, might often misuse their work devices at home or in public places.
They might casually surf the internet, conduct personal activities, and fail to notice who might be peeking at their screens. Your business could be in jeopardy if someone manages to steal an employee’s login credentials. Using multi-factor authentication tools and a VPN can be beneficial in such cases.
The Role of Network Security in Remote Work
Network security plays a pivotal role in safeguarding a company’s digital assets. Secure remote access allows employees to connect to the company’s network safely from any location. Implementing features like VPNs, two-factor authentication, and regular vulnerability assessments helps identify and fix potential vulnerabilities.
By leveraging the benefits of cloud computing, businesses can secure their data and applications in a remote work scenario. However, the process requires diligence and expertise, which a managed IT service provider can immensely help.
Contact CyberGate IT For A Cybersecurity Consultation Today!
CyberGate IT is a leading cybersecurity and managed IT service provider for small businesses in Atlanta, Georgia. Contact us today to get started with your complimentary consultation.
FAQ About Cyber Threats and Remote Work
- Phishing Scams: Employees might receive malicious emails trying to trick them into revealing sensitive information.
- Unsecured Networks: Home Wi-Fi networks may not be as secure as corporate ones, making them more vulnerable to cyber attacks.
- Use of Personal Devices: Employees might use personal devices lacking adequate security protections for work-related tasks, thereby exposing sensitive data.
Security breaches of remote working primarily include unauthorized access to systems or data, often due to vulnerabilities in personal devices or networks. These breaches can also occur through phishing attacks, malware, or ransomware attacks targeting remote workers.
One of the greatest workplace cybersecurity risks is human error. This includes employees falling victim to phishing scams, using weak passwords, not following security protocols, or unintentionally installing malware on their devices. Employee education and awareness are crucial in mitigating this risk.