All the remote work has always been something some organizations offer, it didn’t really reach popularity until the covid-19 pandemic forced offices everywhere to close. Since then, remote work has become more popular than ever as part of modern business. Although some companies are still trying to force a return to office, there’s no denying that remote work is here to stay. Companies look for increased flexibility and productivity among their teams, it’s important to become aware of any potential security risks posed by remote workers. In this article, we’ll discuss five key strategies to help protect your organization from these threats while still taking advantage of the benefits of remote work.
Understanding the Potential Security Risks of Remote Working
Although remote work is convenient for both workers and employers, it can create some potential security risks. First off, there are unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Remote workers who use unsecured Wi-Fi connections can leave sensitive data vulnerable. This makes it exposed to attackers and any opportunists looking to cause trouble. Working in public places with unsecured Wi-Fi can also be a problem. Remote workers must also use their own devices, whether it’s a mobile or desktop machine, to perform their work. These devices can be lost or stolen, which can increase security issues. Then there’s the problem of insecure passwords. Remote workers might use simple, easily guessed passwords for their devices and applications. By understanding these risks, you can develop a strategy to protect your business.
How a Secure Infrastructure Can Mitigate Remote Worker Risks
Understanding risks can help you define how you’re going to fight back against them. The best way to do this is to create a secure infrastructure that can help mitigate any risks. On the surface, it might sound complicated. But it’s actually quite easy. Here are some key elements of secure infrastructure:
- VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) for secure and ncrypted connections between remote workers and your company’s internal network.
- Data Encryption for protecting your sensitive data preventing unauthorized access (even if a device is compromised)
- Multi-Factor Authentication, or MFA, to reduce the risk of unauthorized access by using additional verification methods.
- Infrastructure security software for monitoring data and maintaining full visibility/control over what’s happening with your online assets
- Antivirus and antimalware protection to safeguard company device and corporate email accounts
Strengthening your infrastructure minimizes the vulnerability of your business to remote worker risks and keeps both your company—and your workers—safe.
Layered Security Solutions to Protect Your Remote Workforce
Protecting your assets from remote worker issues is only one half of a more comprehensive equation. You must also figure out a way to protect the workers themselves from potential issues. Layered security is a good way to do this. Layered security is an effective approach to safeguarding your remote workforce through a few simple key components. This includes endpoint protection, which can be as simple as installing an antivirus and anti-malware software on remote workers’ devices can help prevent malicious attacks. It can also include implementing firewalls to help prevent unauthorized access to your company’s network. Using email security, a VPN, and strict access controls, help filter email threats and spam. Using a layered security approach makes it more difficult for potential attackers to compromise your systems and increases the chance of detecting threats early—something that becomes extremely important when you have a remote workforce.
The Role of Continuous Monitoring in Remote Worker Security
Another way to keep your company secure while also using remote workforce is to use continuous monitoring. Deploying it among your remote workforce comes down to monitoring regular network activity for unusual patterns. Ensure remote worker devices are updated with the latest security patches and they workers are following proper protocol for VPN use and passwords/MFA. As an organization, you can require employees to self-report on their work and activities. Finally, develop a comprehensive plan for responding to security incidents, including reporting, mitigation, and recovery measures.
Creating a Culture of Security Awareness Among Remote Workers
Remote work presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses. But nothing works well at all if you don’t train your team, educate them about company procedures (especially as it pertains to cybersecurity policies), or recognize proper security behavior when they do it. Creating a security-conscious culture minimizes the chance of your remote workforce becoming a cybersecurity issue.
