Wondering how you can manage your remote working cyber security risks?
We take a look at the key risks businesses face and how they can establish a secure environment for their remote workers.
Using Unsecure Devices
When employees work from the office they’re using a company-issued laptop or computer. The business has oversight over these devices and can help ensure it’s well protected.
As soon as employees start using their personal devices, that’s where the oversight ends.
Sensitive data can easily be transferred from a secure device to a compromised one, and this can be a big problem for businesses.
It’s best practice for employees to keep their work and personal devices separate and not share work devices with family members.
Weak Password Management
It seems like an incredibly simple thing, but password management is one of the main remote working cyber security risks.
Passwords are a primary line of defense, and if your remote employees are using weak passwords, that defense isn’t as strong. On work devices, companies can more easily manage password security, but it’s much more difficult when employees are working remotely.
Part of creating a secure remote work environment is ensuring employees have strong passwords that aren’t repeated across multiple applications.
Not Updating Software
Again, this might seem simple, but it can be big a security issue with working remotely.
As well as adding new features and fixing bugs, software updates are designed to patch security vulnerabilities. If employees are using outdated software versions, they’re more vulnerable to attacks.
A simple step you can take to limit remote working cyber security risks is to make sure employees are regularly updating software.
Unprotected Networks
We most often associate unprotected networks with guest networks we use when on the go, but it can also apply to an employee’s home wifi.
It’s vitally important that remote workers are using safe networks to protect their work. This starts with their home wifi which can be secured with a few simple steps:
- Use a unique wifi name
- Create a strong, unique wifi password
- Enable network encryption
- Keep router software up to date
- Use a good firewall
The other thing employees can do to limit remote working cyber security risks is use a Verified Private Network (VPN). A VPN protects your internet connection by creating an encrypted tunnel for your data, helping to keep it safe.
Whether your employees are working from home or using an unknown network on the go, it always pays to use a VPN.
Build a Strategy to Protect Against Remote Working Cyber Security Risks
Remote work can present a security risk for businesses and it’s one they need to protect against. To limit this risk it’s vital that companies have a comprehensive strategy in place.
You can limit the cyber security risks of working remotely with these simple tips, but for true protection, you need the help of experts.
Take charge of your cybersecurity and design powerful strategies - with technology, processes, and people - to safeguard your business.