Enhance Your Remote Work Security with These 6 Essential Practices

As COVID-19 cases increase in the United States, many business owners and IT professionals are scrambling to set up remote work options for their staff. Just as travel restrictions have halted flights globally, the novel coronavirus is confining thousands of American employees to their homes for the foreseeable future.

Remote work allows employees to self-isolate safely, reducing the risk of spreading the virus to others or within the workplace. However, this transition brings its own set of cybersecurity challenges. Cybercriminals are quick to exploit current events and the vulnerabilities that come with them. They are already taking advantage of the panic surrounding COVID-19, making the cybersecurity risks of working from home particularly pronounced.

Typically, your workplace has measures in place to protect its network from threats, but your home network and devices likely don’t offer the same level of security. This puts any company equipment, software, or data accessed from home at risk. It’s crucial to take steps to safeguard your company’s data and remind everyone to be extra cautious as they adjust to this new way of working.

Will your employees use their personal computers for remote work, or will you provide them with company-owned hardware? Company-owned devices generally offer better cybersecurity because your IT team can manage and monitor their configurations. For businesses suddenly shifting to remote work, supplying every employee with a laptop might not be feasible. If personal computers are used, ensure that all devices are up to date, patched, and equipped with enterprise-grade anti-malware and antivirus protection.

There are various network access options suitable for remote work, and you’ll need to choose the ones that meet your business’s security and access needs. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and encryption can help protect your network. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a randomly generated code sent to an email, SMS, or authenticated mobile device. Encryption ensures that any intercepted data is unusable by anyone other than the intended recipient. Always configure remote machines manually to catch any potential security weaknesses.

Personal computers often have many non-business-related applications that can pose security risks. Mobile apps and browser extensions might contain tracking codes or malware that threaten your company’s network. Every program used during remote work should be vetted by your IT team to ensure it’s safe.

Many employees already use their personal mobile devices for work-related tasks like email. If using these devices for all remote work is an option, ensure you implement MFA for any sensitive information or accounts. Also, consider a mobile device management (MDM) solution to handle lost, stolen, or compromised devices. An MDM allows you to locate, lock, and remotely wipe data from the device if needed.

Just like social distancing and good hygiene help prevent the spread of COVID-19, educating employees about cybersecurity is crucial. Comprehensive training can protect against phishing, pharming, and ransomware attacks. Cybersecurity knowledge benefits employees both now and in the future, enhancing overall network security.