Remote work has taken workplaces by storm, so much so that Upwork predicts remote workers will make up nearly 30% of the workforce in the near future. However, while this new way of working presents a number of competitive advantages, such as access to wider talent pool, it also comes with new cybersecurity risks.

Don’t miss the top tips you need to know to protect your business from today’s remote working cybersecurity threats.

Biggest Remote Working Cybersecurity Risks & Concerns

BIGGER ATTACK SURFACES

With employees working remotely, businesses now need to monitor and secure a higher number of networks and endpoints, which can be extremely difficult for IT teams that are stretched thin or don’t have access to advanced security solutions.

MORE PHISHING ATTACKS

Remote employees rely on digital forms of communication, which means they’re likely to be exposed to a higher number of phishing emails. Not only are work from home-related phishing attacks on the rise, but remote workers may also have a harder time recognizing the attacks.

PUBLIC CLOUD MISCONFIGURATIONS

Public cloud environments are critical to remote work, but without proper configuration, they can pose serious security risks to your business. From disabling monitoring and logging tools to creating overly permissive access rules, cloud misconfigurations help bad actors get their foot in the door and gain access to your broader infrastructure.

Tips for Securing Your Remote Workforce

EDUCATE EMPLOYEES

The more employees understand what’s at stake when it comes to cybersecurity, the more likely they are to care. For a proactive approach to keeping your sensitive data secure, consider enrolling every employee in a cybersecurity awareness training program as soon as they’re hired.

ESTABLISH A VULNERABILITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

At-home network security just isn’t strong enough to secure your organization, and bad actors are actively looking for ways to exploit any vulnerabilities. In other words, a strong vulnerability management program a must-have. By identifying, evaluating, and addressing vulnerabilities on an ongoing basis, your organization will be in a better position to avoid costly security breaches.

CREATE A REMOTE WORK POLICY

As a business leader, it’s up to you to ensure your employees are practicing good cyber hygiene, and one way you can do that is by creating a clear set of policies outlining what working remotely means for your organization. Key details might include:

  • How (and if) your employees are able to use personal devices when working remotely
  • What data employees are able to access
  • What types of software employees are able to install
  • How employees should report a cyber incident

USE A COMPANY VPN

While employees could opt to use their personal virtual private networks (VPN), it’s best to implement a company VPN that employees must be connected to at all times. Designed to secure transmitted data, a VPN is one key to preventing bad actors from intercepting sensitive or personal information.

KEEP SOFTWARE UP TO DATE

You and your employees should never ignore those pesky update notifications. If you receive one, be sure to install the latest software as soon as possible to keep security flaws patched. Or even better, set up automatic software updates so you can work with the peace of mind that you’ve closed weaknesses in your operating systems.

SEPARATE WORK AND PERSONAL DEVICES

If you provide employees with their own work devices, encourage them to use it strictly for work purposes—and vice versa. Personal devices may not have the same security features in place, meaning your business’s data could be exposed if a personal device is used for work.

USE A PASSWORD POLICY

Using strong passwords is cybersecurity hygiene 101, but many people still don’t do it. With a password policy, you can clearly outline rules regarding password creation for your employees to follow.

What’s Next?

Let the experts help you secure your remote workforce against today’s threats. As a  award-winning, customer-first Managed Security Service Provider, we partner with you to develop a security plan that works for your business. Connect with us today to learn more about our right-sized cybersecurity solutions.