The shift to remote work has been a game-changer for businesses worldwide. However, this new mode of operation has also opened up a Pandora’s box of cybersecurity challenges. We dove into the research and spoke to some of the top managed service providers in Australia, the UK, and the US to develop the following set of research-backed tips to help safeguard your business in the age of remote work.
Table of Contents
Implement Strong Authentication Methods
Utilize multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. MFA supercharges your security by requiring every user to provide two or more forms of verification before they can access a resource such as an application, account, or VPN.
The extra log-in steps could include something the user knows (like a passcode), something they have (like a smartphone), or something they are (like a fingerprint). By upgrading your log-in processes to include MFA, you can make the process of hacking next to impossible for criminals. Even if they’re able to compromise one authentication factor, they’ll still need to bypass additional layers, and this significantly reduces your risk of unauthorized access.
Secure Network Connections
The rapid shift to remote work has expanded the available “attack surfaces” for cyber threats. An attack surface refers to all potential points of vulnerability within a system or network that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access or disrupt operations.
With more options on the table for attackers, you must invest in secure network connections and data encryption. This ensures the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information while still allowing it to be easily accessible by your remote team.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and encrypted communication channels such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols can provide a secure tunnel for data transmission, protecting it from interception by malicious actors.
Regular Software Updates and Patch Management
Cybersecurity risks have escalated with the increased use of remote work technologies, but regular software updates can help mitigate the risks. Updates often include fixes for security vulnerabilities, making them vital in protecting your systems from potential attacks.
In addition, an automated patch management system can help streamline the entire process. This is your best bet for ensuring all devices and software applications are promptly updated with the latest security patches, thus minimizing exposure to known vulnerabilities.
Employee Training and Awareness
Depending on where you get your statistics, anywhere from 26% to 95% of data breaches were the result of human error. This makes employee training and awareness critical factors in safeguarding your business.
Remote workers tend to be more aware of cybersecurity and are more likely to take protective action. However, regular training sessions can still help your team recognize and respond to threats effectively. Encourage a culture of cybersecurity awareness by providing ongoing training, simulated phishing exercises, and clear guidelines on best practices for remote work security.
Regular Security Audits and Assessments
According to Tenable, an astonishing 74% of organizations attributed their recent business-impacting cyberattacks to remote work tech vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and assessments can help identify these vulnerabilities and formulate strategies to address them. Conducting periodic vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and compliance audits can uncover potential weaknesses in your remote work infrastructure, allowing you to proactively strengthen your security measures and prevent costly data breaches.
The shift to remote work necessitates a new take on cybersecurity. As a business owner, you must stay vigilant, adapt to evolving threats, and make cybersecurity an integral part of your remote work infrastructure. This is the best way to safeguard sensitive data and maintain business continuity.
