How to Overcome the Cyber Security Risks of Remote Working

In recent years, remote working has gained immense popularity as businesses and employees seek flexibility and improved work-life balance. However, despite benefits like reduced commuting for staff, remote work has also triggered multiple challenges for cybersecurity.

Surprisingly, 75% of IT specialists say that the mobile or remote work environment has expanded the threat landscape. And though organisations are often aware of the potential cyber threats tied to remote work, employees might not be as well-informed and pose a threat to business and their data.

Let’s explore remote worker security risks in more detail and provide practical tips and best practices for individuals and organisations to overcome cyber risks while working remotely.

Read more about the benefits of in-person collaboration and meetings.

What’s in this article?

• Understanding the cyber risks of remote working
• How to overcome the cyber risks associated with remote working
• What’s next?

Understanding the cyber risks of remote working

Remote work has given way to multiple cyber and fraud risks, each posing significant challenges for individuals and organisations alike. Familiar foes like phishing attacks, where cybercriminals disguise themselves as trustworthy entities to extract sensitive information, have become more prevalent. Unsecured WiFi networks, once considered convenient, can now serve as gateways for unauthorised access to personal and company data. Not to mention, the unsettling prospect of device theft adds another layer of vulnerability to the mix. Unfortunately, these risks are not hypothetical scenarios; they are an everyday occurrence!

Here are the most common security risks of remote working:

• Email scams
• Cyber attacks
• Weak security controls at home vs. in office
• Sensitive data leaks through unsecured WiFi
• Use of personal devices for work
• Exposed laptop screens and loud phone calls in public spaces
• Weak passwords
• Unencrypted file sharing
• Webcam hacking
• Cloud misconfigurations

Moreover, the cyber threat landscape is far from static. It’s an ever-evolving ecosystem where cybercriminals continually adapt their strategies to exploit emerging vulnerabilities. Remote work environments, with their intricate web of digital connections, have become prime targets. As we leverage technology to stay productive, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is more pressing than ever before.

Proactivity isn’t just advisable – it’s essential. Ignoring the looming cyber risks in a remote work setting can lead to dire consequences. For example, data breaches can expose confidential information, financial losses can be crippling, and the damage to one’s reputation can be irreparable. So, what can you do to overcome remote worker security risks?

How to overcome the cyber security risks of working from home

It’s not merely about adopting security measures; it’s about cultivating a cyber-conscious mindset company-wide. Here are our five top tips to help you overcome the cyber security risks of remote working:

1. Strengthening your digital fortress
2. Securing remote connections
3. Educating remote workers about cyber hygiene
4. Implementing company-wide cybersecurity policies
5. Conducting regular security assessments and updates

1. Strengthening your digital fortress

By adhering to the proactive measures below, you not only bolster your online security against potential threats, but also contribute to a safer digital landscape for all. Here are a few ways you can strengthen your collective digital fortress:

• Fortify passwords: Bolster your defences by creating strong and unique passwords for every account and device. Avoid using easily guessable information and opt for a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Embrace multi-factor authentication (MFA): Elevate your security game by enabling multi-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification beyond passwords, such as a code sent to your phone.
• Stay updated: Keep potential cyber threats at bay by regularly updating your software and operating systems. These updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities.
• Employ password managers: Simplify your digital life while staying secure by using password managers. These tools not only generate strong passwords but also securely store them, reducing the risk of using the same password across multiple accounts.
• Backup and secure: Data is precious – ensure its safety by regularly backing up your files. Cloud storage can be a robust option, but prioritise services with strong security measures.

2. Securing remote connections

Securing your remote connections can involve implementing measures to encrypt data transmission and mitigate potential cybersecurity risks. Here are a few ways to protect your remote connections:

• Leverage VPNs: Safeguard sensitive data by harnessing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to encrypt internet connections, rendering them virtually impenetrable to prying eyes.

• Public WiFi awareness: Grasp the potential hazards of public WiFi networks, and advocate either refraining from their use or employing a VPN to establish a secure tunnel for data transmission. This can be particularly useful for remote workers who prefer cafés or public libraries.

• Device boundaries: Recognise the risks inherent in using personal devices for work tasks and vice versa; instil clear demarcations between professional and personal digital realms.

• Application hygiene: Understand the importance of logging out and disconnecting from work-related applications when not in active use, curtailing the avenues for unauthorised access.

3. Educating remote workers about cyber hygiene

Creating a secure digital environment isn’t solely the responsibility of IT teams; it’s a collective effort that involves every employee. Encouraging a culture of vigilance starts with promoting the reporting of any suspicious emails or other activities to the IT department. This ensures that potential threats are swiftly identified and addressed.

However, knowledge is the ultimate defence.

In this landscape of digital deception, understanding the nuances of social engineering tactics is paramount. From phishing to pretexting, recognising these manipulative techniques empowers employees to detect and evade such traps. By staying informed and vigilant, employees can actively contribute to maintaining a resilient cybersecurity posture and protecting sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

4. Implementing company-wide cybersecurity policies

Organisations are responsible for shaping a secure digital landscape. This involves establishing clear and comprehensive cybersecurity policies that can guide employees dealing with digital threats.

Easy-to-follow guidelines empower employees to maintain security standards even beyond the office walls. Additionally, addressing the use of personal devices through a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy strikes a balance between flexibility and safeguarding sensitive information.

Preparing for the unexpected is equally important. A robust incident response plan is a cornerstone of effective cybersecurity. By having a clear roadmap in place, companies can minimise damage in the event of a breach, ensuring a swift and coordinated response that protects both data and reputation.

5. Conducting regular security assessments and updates

It is imperative that you conduct regular security assessments to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Among these measures, penetration testing stands out as a crucial strategy. By simulating real-world attacks, organisations gain insight into the effectiveness of their security measures. This proactive approach not only exposes weak points but also allows for refining and bolstering defences in response.

However, security is not a one-time task; it’s a continuous commitment. Emphasising the importance of consistently updating and adapting security protocols is paramount. As cyber threats evolve, so must our strategies to counter them. By remaining vigilant and responsive, organisations can stay one step ahead of potential breaches.

What’s next?

As you navigate the complexities of remote work, it’s imperative to adopt a proactive stance, armed with the insights shared throughout this guide. By educating employees and implementing the appropriate safety measures and policies, you can help keep your organisation’s data safe from outside threats.

Additionally, in the pursuit of a robust cybersecurity strategy, the right team makes all the difference. Our technical consultant services offer businesses access to a diverse pipeline of talented candidates Whether that’s skilled Cloud Engineers or Risk, Regulation and Compliance (RRC) experts, our consultants are highly-trained with the skills required to help you tackle your unique security challenges.

Are you looking to up your cyber security game within your organisation? Check out our services to find out how our technical consultants can future-proof your remote operations or get in touch for more information.