Many businesses have moved to remote work during the COVID-pandemic, and this move will stick around for a long time. But despite the upsides to remote working, there are a few downsides, most noticeably the security risks involved.
Let’s go over a few risks then discuss how remote workers can stay secure.
Risks Facing Remote Workers
Malware
Anyone can fall victim to malware. And if employees are sent home on a remote basis, then the chance of them falling victim to malware increases due to home networks not being as secure as work networks.
Phishing Scams
Scammers lurk around every corner of the Internet, and phishing scams have become a normal thing to encounter. From emails promising free gifts to links that trick victims into giving out personal information, phishing scams are a major threat to remote workers.
Theft
Breaking into company buildings is a difficult task due to all the security measures they typically contain. Breaking into the average home, however, is a lot less daunting to criminals, hence why thousands fall victim to home theft.
Remote workers need to think about their physical security just as much as their cybersecurity.
4 Ways to Increase Home Network Security
Install a VPN
There is no such thing as a 100%-secure network. Networks are vulnerable to all types of threats, even home networks! Because of this ugly truth, it’s important that remote workers make sure that their home networks—the networks they will be working from for the foreseeable future—are protected.
There are multiple ways to go about securing a network, but an easy, secure solution would be a VPN for UK companies. A company-wide VPN (a Virtual Private Network) will encrypt the data employees send out, both from home and from work.
Update All Devices
All devices—from laptops to phones to desktops—are always receiving new software updates. Device updates typically add new features, quality-of-life enhancements, and security fixes. These security fixes often aim to patch device exploits, add defense for new malware, and more.
Remote workers should always update their devices, both personal and work, for said security fixes. There’s no such thing as too much security, especially when it comes to working.
Have a Device Dedicated to Work
Mixing work and personal life are ill-advised, and the same goes for devices. When remote working, always make sure that work is being done on devices dedicated to work instead of using personal devices.
The reason for this is that personal devices could be compromised. Plus, there’s always the risk of a remote worker losing their personal device, putting the company in possible jeopardy.
When possible, companies should hand out work devices to all remote workers. Remote workers should then do all of their work on said device.
Create a Strong Cybersecurity Policy
It’s important to keep all employees on the same page, and having a central cybersecurity policy that applies to all employees is key to keeping a company safe and secure. Such a policy would include how remote employees handle passwords, two-factor authentication, what websites they’re allowed to access, and how they access work-sensitive information.
Conclusion
Remote work may seem freer and more relaxing than working on-site, but remote workers take on more responsibilities, namely the responsibility of staying secure. A business that follows the tips listed above will be ahead of the cybersecurity curve.
