2020 saw many of us transition from a traditional office environment to a remote working model, and the change seems to be here to stay. Although working from home (WFH) may be a welcomed change for many employees, it has provided employers with a landscape of security issues which need to be patched or circumvented to ensure their business remains protected from a potentially damaging cyberattack.
So, what are some of the actions you should be taking to ensure your business stays secure with a remote workforce? Keep reading to find out.
Use Secure Remote Connectivity
Unsecured networks can create large holes in your security landscape, so it is recommended that you do what you can to ensure a secure remote connection for your remote workforce.
A VPN which uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) to encrypt data and communication from a remote device can be used to protect both the end-user and the company from malicious actors trying to gain access.
Additionally, there is increasing interest in the Zero Trust strategy leading to secured connectivity to a private network linking remote workers to their cloud hosted workload, using technology such as Zscaler or Perimeter 81.
Of course, a VPN can lead to a reduction in internet speed, but this is a small price to pay for protecting your data.
Update Software Regularly
Software updates are an essential part of maintaining your cybersecurity strength. Updates provide necessary system patches to security holes that have been found in the last edition of the software. Without updating your software regularly, you risk your devices and data being exposed to an attack which could be highly detrimental to your organisation. It would be akin to not replacing the faulty lock on your front door when the locksmith told you that you need to.
Adopt a Multilayered Security Approach
Cyberattacks are on the rise, particularly with the increase in remote workers, so you can never have too much security. Adopting a multilayered security approach, including protocols such as Two Factor Authentication (2FA), email encryption, enabling and configuring Sender Policy Framework (SPF), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), and Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC) to protect against email malware attacks, and adequately training remote staff on cybersecurity best practices and behaviours, makes it all the more difficult for a threat actor to gain access.
Increase Endpoint Security
It should be clearly stated that the most preferable security solution to endpoint threats is to ensure that company data remains on a company device rather than a personal device. Company devices can be secured and preconfigured by your specialist IT team or MSP provider whereas a private device often has the default security configurations enabled. Although the default security settings do allow some form of protection, they are not nearly as stringent as corporate level configurations. Whether corporate data is being accessed from a company device or a personal device, though, it is also a good idea to install an endpoint agent, or agents, to perform data protection and malware protection.
Develop a Cybersecurity Policy for Remote Employees
As remote work will most likely be here to stay, this can protect you both now and in the future. It’s important that you have a clear strategy to protect both the employees and the company data by setting out guidelines for complying with security protocols at home or during travel. These guidelines can address myriad issues like listing approved applications or programs, providing protocols about remotely wiping lost devices, and scheduling information for patching and anti-virus updates. With human error accounting for 95% of security breaches, your employee cybersecurity policy could be the make or break for your business.
Online security is not something to be taking lightly. In fact, organisations must remain vigilant and take necessary action to ensure they are protected at all times. When it comes to cybersecurity, NetworkIQ are specialists, so give them a call to discuss how they can help you protect your business.
Comment (1)
Don
09/25/2021Which VPN services do you recommend?