Today we’re taking a look at remote work security and the challenges associated with it. We’ll also discuss how security is changing to accommodate the need to address remote work cyber security for employees.
Remote Work Security Best Practices
A remote worker’s network can have a significant effect on the network security of a company as a whole. By not having access to the same secure, internal networks as other team members, remote workers are often exposed to more risk. Business owners should create policies to ensure that all remote employees are using secure networks and connections when accessing or working with sensitive information.
“Cybersecurity best practices require the deployment of a combination of security tools depending on the environment. At the very least always include multi-factor authentication on the login to the remote desktop, as well as a VPN,” says Tom Kirkham, CEO of Kirkham IronTech. Without the same secure internal networks offered to other team members, remote employees are often left more exposed to digital threats. The lack of access to these networks also makes it more difficult for small business owners to ensure that all remote workers are only using secure connections and networks when accessing sensitive information. 
Can a Cybersecurity Service Provider Help?
To protect their data and networks, companies should work with a cybersecurity service provider to lay out detailed, comprehensive policies that come with specific guidelines explaining how remote employees can safely access and work with company data. These policies should include recommendations on how to best protect devices, passwords, and accounts against cybercriminals as well as provide guidance on online security best practices for communication tools such as email and file-sharing platforms.
What Else Can Remote Workers Do?
In order to keep their data safe and secure, remote employees should follow some basic ground rules to minimize their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. This includes regularly updating software, avoiding the use of public Wi-Fi networks, and setting up two-factor authentication on important apps or accounts. Additionally, they should always be sure that any online activity they participate in is secure and encrypted in order to prevent malicious actors from gaining access to sensitive information.
Companies should value cybersecurity strategies even when it comes to remote workers if they do not share the same cloud network. This is because regardless of whether an employee works in-house or remotely, any weak links in your network security could still give malicious actors access to confidential data or systems. By implementing robust security measures for all users across various platforms and devices, companies can help protect themselves from both external threats and unauthorized internal access.
What’s the Best Strategy for Remote Work Cybersecurity?
Companies need to take a more proactive approach when it comes to the cybersecurity of remote work. It is no longer enough to have basic antivirus software installed on computers and devices; additional measures must be put into place in order to protect against increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks.
Here’s some basics every company should consider when it comes to remote work security:
- Investing in stronger encryption protocols
- Implementing two-factor authentication for every account
- Creating company-wide policies that set expectations for online security best practices like password management and avoiding the use of public Wi-Fi networks.
- Businesses should also consider investing in virtual private networks (VPNs) which offer secure remote access to internal resources.
Wrapping Up – Remote Work Security for Virtual Employees
Remote work cybersecurity refers to the practices, measures, and technologies implemented to ensure the security of data, systems, and networks when employees work remotely. As more companies adopt remote work policies, the risk of cyber attacks increases due to the potential vulnerabilities in employees’ home networks and devices. Cybersecurity measures such as strong passwords, two-factor authentication, encryption, and regular software updates can help mitigate these risks. Additionally, remote workers should be trained on security best practices, such as avoiding public Wi-Fi, keeping work devices secure, and reporting any suspicious activity promptly. Companies should also implement a comprehensive remote work cybersecurity policy that includes guidelines for data access, device usage, and data backup and recovery. By proactively addressing security risks, you can reduce the likelihood of costly security breaches, protect your valuable assets, and maintain the trust of your clients and stakeholders.
