The work day is no longer a 9 to 5 day sat in the office with a commute at each side of the day. Rigid schedules are a thing of the past and flexibility is the modern way. However, with this flexibility comes a new set of challenges to over come. Remote work environments often introduce vulnerabilities to your organisation’s data and systems.
73% of executives believe that remote work increases security risk.
This doesn’t mean you cant offer flexibility, it just means you have to mitigate some of these risks. These are some of the ways you can achieve that.
Keep the Home Network Safe
Strong Wi-Fi Encryption
Ensure staff have a secure home network. Make sure Wi-Fi is protected with the latest encryption protocols, like WPA3. This is a basic but crucial step that helps keep unauthorised users out and ensures your data stays private.
Changing Default Router Settings
It’s important to change the default username and password of any network device. These defaults are well-known to hackers, so creating unique, strong credentials adds an extra layer of security to your network.
Using Strong, Unique Passwords
Password Managers
Managing multiple passwords for all the accounts and services you use for work can be overwhelming. Password managers can be a lifesaver—they create, store, and even autofill complex passwords for you. This way, each of your accounts has its own unique, strong password without you having to remember them all. Ensure staff have access to one!
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Adding MFA to your accounts provides an extra layer of protection. Even if someone gets hold of a password, they’ll need to pass a second verification step, such as entering a code sent to your phone or using an authentication app. This makes it much tougher for anyone to break into your accounts.
Protecting Your Devices
Antivirus/Anti-Malware Software
Make sure all your work devices have up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software. These tools help detect and stop threats before they can cause harm.
Regular Software Updates
Keeping software up to date is key to staying protected against the latest security threats. Enable automatic updates for your operating system, applications, and security software to keep everything running smoothly and securely.
Encrypted Storage
For any data, use encrypted storage. Its so simple to enable its a must have! This ensures that even if your device is lost or stolen, your data remains safe and out of reach from prying eyes. You can use built-in encryption options or third-party solutions.
Secure Communication Channels
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Using a VPN is a great way to protect your internet traffic. It encrypts your data, making it difficult for anyone to intercept or access it. A company provided VPN is especially important when you’re connecting to business resources over public or unsecured networks.
Encrypted Messaging and Email
To keep your communications private, use encrypted messaging and email services. When choosing these services, make sure they offer strong encryption to keep your conversations secure. M365 is a safe bet.
Safe Browsing
Browser Security
Make sure your web browser is up-to-date and configured for security. This includes enabling pop-up blockers, disabling third-party cookies, and using secure (HTTPS) connections whenever possible.
Avoiding Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are a common threat, especially for remote workers. Be cautious with unexpected emails or messages asking for sensitive information. Always verify the sender’s identity before clicking on links or downloading attachments. If something seems suspicious, report it to your IT department to help protect your team, and foster an environment where this is the standard behaviour.
Using Ad Blockers
Ad blockers can help keep you safe by preventing malicious ads from appearing in your browser. These ads can sometimes contain malware or phishing links, so using an ad blocker adds an extra layer of security.
Staying Informed and Prepared
Regular Security Training
Staying up-to-date on the latest security practices is important. Regular training sessions for everyone can help your team stay informed about new threats and best practices for keeping your devices and data secure.
Incident Response Plan
Having a clear incident response plan is crucial. This ensures everyone knows what to do if there’s a security breach, including how to report it, what steps to take to mitigate the damage, and who to contact for IT support.
Personal Responsibility and Awareness
Personal Device Hygiene
It’s important to practice good digital hygiene on your personal devices too. This includes regular backups and ensuring your devices are configured securely. Try to keep your personal and professional activities separate whenever possible.
Being Aware of Social Engineering
Social engineering attacks play on emotions to trick people into giving up access to systems and data. Stay aware of common tactics like pretexting and baiting, and maintain a healthy level of scepticism to avoid falling victim to these schemes.
Why not speak to VMhosts to see how we can reduce the risk in your business?
👉 Contact Us for professional support and cybersecurity services. Let’s work together to keep your business safe and resilient.
