The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of companies turning to remote working, where that’s an option. Of course, that hasn’t been a viable solution for many others but, for companies with staff that can work off-site, remote technology has been a lifeline. Let’s take a look at where we are in 2022, and the security issues that remote workers and businesses need to think about.
Remote Working Can Work Well
Though there was some resistance from both business owners and employees to the work-from-home revolution, it’s clear that it can work well, at least for some organizations. Without it, many companies would have folded in the last two years, as waves of infection have ebbed and flowed. Research has shown that workers are often very pleased to be working from home. A study in August 2021 by PwC indicated that twenty percent of workers prefer working remotely and would like it to continue, even after the pandemic subsides.
Remote working has saved businesses and jobs, but it brings some challenges with it. One big problem that has concerned business owners and IT professionals is cybersecurity, and the new threats posed by remote working.
Cybercriminals Exploit the Remote Working Phenomenon
With staff working from home or off-site and accessing the office network remotely, often using their own devices, hackers and scammers have been quick to see new opportunities for cybercrime. Cybersecurity is always important, but remote working has escalated the problems.
It’s self-evident that staff aren’t going to have the same levels of security when working with their own devices at home. Businesses need to do all they can to boost security and provide additional protection for the office network.
Cover All the Bases
Threats to an organization’s cybersecurity are multiple and not easily dealt with. Staff will likely be using their own devices, but they will probably also be using other networks, as well as accessing their workplace servers. You can implement strong protections for your network but, if the other networks that employees are connecting to has fewer protections, you could still have a serious problem.
In an office environment it’s easier to remain alert to the organization’s security policies and best practices. Those reminders may recede when people are working in isolation at home and their security focus can slip.
Don’t Let Remote Working Compromise Security
You know you need to be vigilant about security threats. The big question is how best to do it. Here are some of the essential practices that we recommend to businesses, so they can maintain high security levels:
- – Public Wi-Fi connections should be avoided, but if there’s no other option, it should be done using a good VPN (virtual private network). This will keep any data that is transmitted secure.
- – Clear and considered policies are necessary when staff are using their own devices, and transferring data between these and the office network. A BYOD (bring your own device) policy will spell out what best practices are, and ensure that staff understand the possible threats that accompany remote accessing of data and the measures needed to maximize security.
- – Scams and phishing attacks are a threat that all remote users need to bear in mind, and staff should be regularly reminded to stay alert to hackers and trained to stay safe from cybercriminal activity online.
- – Updates and installation of the latest security patches is necessary for all devices used for work. That’s not just computers, tablets and smartphones – it includes items like the router used for a Wi-Fi connection.
- – The physical security of devices is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. Portable devices can be accessed or stolen if left in a public place. Even in the home, it’s a good idea to make sure that they are shut away when not in use.
- – It’s essential to have good password protection, whether working at home or on-site. Passwords should be complex and unique to each user. MFA (multi-factor authentication) is an important way to maximize the efficacy of password protection.
Cybersecurity is complicated and threats exist on many fronts. There may be a lot to remember, but it has to be done if security is to be maintained. We can help you with that. For more information, call Quikteks at (973) 882-4644.