Pushing Through Remote Working Security Risks

Organizations have struggled with numerous challenges during the pandemic, but remote work IT security is among the most troubling.

Remote teams present countless dangers, considering staff now use their devices and home networks. But unlike the other risks of the epidemic, cybersecurity issues will persist even beyond the new normal. Most employees will continue working from home even if they're presented with the option to return to the office.

According to a Gartner study, about 47 percent of organizations are okay with their employees working in remote locations on a full-time basis. From the findings, about 82 percent of employees would love to work remotely at least once per week.

As such, you should reconsider your strategy if you're using temporary defenses to protect remote workers. You need permanent, robust solutions to address the numerous threats in the current IT environment.

A Continuously Advancing Threat Landscape

The current digitization has been fueled by tech innovations that have simplified tasks. Similarly, threat actors are now leveraging effective tools to advance threats and attacks. Increased reliance on technology without the appropriate protections like blacklisted IP addresses and firewalls makes you more vulnerable.

The most significant and prominent risk is that most organizations now conduct their operations online. When an asset is stored on the web, a cyber-criminal may compromise it. These individuals may attempt cracking your password if you're not following the related best practices, like using a single password for various platforms.

CISO's 2020 Benchmark Report, organizations are having difficulties managing how remote teams use mobile devices. About 52 percent of those interviewed acknowledged that it's harder to protect mobile devices from cyber threats.

More Cybersecurity Risks in Remote Workstations

Remote work environments have unique cybersecurity needs, and the threat environment is now more dangerous. Here are some common risks that business face:

• Home Wi-Fi Security – In office setups, IT managers can regulate Wi-Fi network security. Staff's home networks, on the other hand, probably have weaker protocols that hackers can use to access the company's network.
• Phishing Scams – These attacks are among the top causes of breaches in the digital era. Attackers send deceptive yet seemingly legitimate emails containing malicious attachments and links. Once a worker opens the link, the hacker can access the system directly.
• Insecure Passwords – With many accounts to log into, workers resort to common password mistakes that jeopardize security. If staff use an insecure password on different platforms, threat actors can access all these accounts quickly.
• Personal devices – Staff don't carry the entire office home. So they may use personal devices like tablets, laptops, smartphones, and printers. Despite the flexibility and freedom, these devices are compromised, and hackers can quickly push through.

Cybersecurity Best Practices in Remote Work Environments

These best practices will secure your remote workforces and company's digital assets from common remote working cybersecurity risks.

Use a VPN 

This cybersecurity solution helps beef up your online privacy, and you can use it to protect your traffic from hacker interception adequately. Paid VPN versions are the best for multiple users since the free ones can slow speeds and lower productivity.

Excellent Password Hygiene

One of the neglected cybersecurity aspects is password management, but it's crucial in cybersecurity risk mitigation. Excellent password hygiene involves using secure passwords comprising letters, numbers, and symbols. Staff should also use different details for the various accounts they access.

Use Multiple-Factor Authentication

Strong passwords lower the risk level but cannot entirely mitigate the risks. Multiple-factor authentication can be your extra security layer to hinder successful password guesses.

Use Robust Anti-Virus Software

Operating systems have decent built-in protection software, but it's not sufficient for infection protection. Antivirus software boosts vigilance and secures their routers and built-in firewalls.

Constant Training

It's essential to enlighten workers on the constantly evolving threats in remote environments. They should also understand how to identify inconsistencies and how to address and report attacks.

Get Expert Support

If you aren't specialized in IT, it may be hard to understand advanced threats and choose the best solution to secure your infrastructure. A reliable Las Vegas IT managed service provider like Orbis Solutions will help improve your data security and achieve organizational success.

So don't hesitate to reach out for comprehensive cybersecurity guidance for your remote teams.

Sean Connery

Orbis Solutions, Inc., in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin and throughout Nevada, has developed creative, strategic and cost-effective technical solutions for a wide variety of clients. Offering a diverse range of products and services, Orbis provides IT solutions to promote your company’s productivity and profitability, and help you sort through the latest-hyped technology, so you can select the best hardware, software or service for your business needs.