Cybersecurity for Your Remote Workforce
A remote workforce is no longer the exception. For many companies, it’s simply how business gets done.
That flexibility comes with a cost: cybersecurity is now the top concern across the technology industry. Remote employees often assume their home is a safe place to work. Companies need to educate their teams about cybersecurity and give them the protection they need.
Read on to learn more about this critical issue.
The Rise of the Remote Workforce
The COVID-19 pandemic was the turning point. Almost overnight, companies moved their teams out of the office and into virtual work environments. What started as a temporary fix became a lasting change, driven by lower real estate costs, employee demand for flexibility, and access to a wider talent pool.
But the rapid shift also opened the door to a wave of cyberattacks, many of which exploited gaps in email and endpoint security. Those risks haven’t gone away.
Cybersecurity Risks of a Remote Workforce
Why does remote work increase risk? In a traditional office, IT managers control the Wi-Fi network. Most home networks have weaker security protocols, which makes it easier for hackers to access network traffic.
Phishing remains the leading cause of data breaches. These attacks look legitimate, using convincing emails loaded with dangerous links and attachments. It only takes one employee clicking a link for a hacker to gain access to their computer. Once that employee connects to the company network, the cybercriminal can get in too. One click can bring your business to a standstill.
Another risk is cutting corners: systems that aren’t encrypted, accounts without two-factor authentication, or lax password practices. It’s not worth the risk. Make sure every remote worker uses encryption and two-factor authentication, especially when accessing the main network.
Establish password standards and enforce changes on a set schedule. Many experts also recommend moving from hardware-based legacy VPNs, which can leave vulnerabilities, to cloud-agnostic, scalable solutions.
How to Reduce Risk Across Your Remote Workforce
Educate employees on cybersecurity and track their compliance with your security standards. Training should teach them to recognize the signs of a breach, including:
- Unexpected installation of new programs
- Noticeably slower computer performance
- Odd pop-up ads appearing on screen
- Losing control of the keyboard or mouse
The best practice is to hold regular virtual training sessions for all employees, with updates on the latest cyberattack strategies.
Also, reinforce the importance of staying vigilant while working remotely. Remind employees that no one else should use a company-provided computer for any reason, even though that can be tempting at home.
Do You Have a Remote Workforce?
Does your company have a remote or hybrid workforce? Are you meeting the cybersecurity standards described in this article?
Black Bottle IT offers next-generation security solutions to keep your remote workforce protected and compliant. We continuously monitor for vulnerabilities and attacks because we know protecting your customer data is the highest priority.
Contact us today to talk about your cybersecurity compliance needs.