What Cybersecurity Steps should Remote users take?

There are many cybersecurity concerns when it comes to working with remote user employees, from unsecured home networks and devices, to phishing vulnerabilities and third-party software.

And this isn’t an “out of sight, out of mind” situation; the repercussions of a cybersecurity breach can be just as devastating to your business whether it happens onsite or offsite.

In this article, we’ll look at different vulnerabilities business owners should be aware of for their remote workers, along with steps that can be taken to minimize these risks.

Common remote worker vulnerabilities

Here are some of the most common vulnerabilities that malicious actors can exploit when it comes to remote users.

Unsecured home networks: Remote employees may not have the same level of security on their home networks as they do on a company network, making them vulnerable to hacking and data breaches.

Phishing and social engineering: Remote employees may be more susceptible to phishing and social engineering attacks, as they may not have the same level of security awareness training as in-office employees.

Unsecured devices: Remote employees may be using personal devices that are not properly secured, increasing the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks.

Lack of physical security: Remote employees may not have the same physical security controls in place as in-office employees, making it easier for an attacker to gain access to sensitive information through theft.

Third-party software: Remote employees may be using third-party software and cloud services that may not be approved by the company, increasing the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks.

Remote access: Remote employees may be accessing company resources remotely, which could potentially be exploited by an attacker.

Insider threats: Remote workers may be more susceptible to insider threats, as their activities may not be as easily monitored as in-office employees.

Remote management: Managing remote employees can be challenging, which can lead to security risks if not properly handled.

Steps to mitigate remote worker vulnerabilities

While there’s no foolproof system to completely eliminate cybersecurity vulnerabilities, for both remote and on-site workers, remote workers and their managers can follow these steps to make their working environment as secure as possible. 

1. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt internet connection and secure data transfer.

2. Use strong and unique passwords for all accounts.

3. Keep all software and operating systems updated.

4. Use a firewall to block unauthorized access to your device.

5. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive information.

6. Use antivirus and anti-malware software to protect against threats.

7. Be wary of phishing attempts and do not click on links or download attachments from unknown sources.

8. Use two-factor authentication whenever possible.

9. Use a password manager to securely store login credentials.

10. Regularly back up important data to protect against data loss.

Education is the best defense

By far, the most important and effective defense against cybersecurity attacks is education. Here are some of the biggest benefits of cybersecurity training and education for remote employees.

Security Awareness

Cybersecurity training helps remote employees understand the importance of security and the risks associated with working remotely. This includes the dangers of phishing, social engineering, and other types of cyberattacks, as well as best practices for protecting sensitive information.

Risk Mitigation

Cybersecurity training can help remote employees identify and mitigate potential security risks, such as unsecured home networks, unsecured devices, and the use of unapproved third-party software.

Compliance

Cybersecurity training can help remote employees understand and comply with industry regulations and company policies regarding data protection and security.

Insider Threat Awareness

Cybersecurity training can help remote employees understand how to recognize and report suspicious activity and potential insider threats.

Remote Management

Training can help managers to understand how to identify and mitigate security risks associated with managing remote employees.

Business Continuity

Training remote employees in cybersecurity can help to ensure that the company can continue to operate in case of a security incident.

Protection of Company Assets

Cybersecurity training helps remote employees understand the importance of protecting company assets, including sensitive data, intellectual property, and trade secrets.

Cost Savings

Investing in cybersecurity training for remote employees can help to prevent costly data breaches and other security incidents, ultimately saving the company money in the long run.

Humans are the number one cybersecurity risk

If you’re worried that you don’t have the budget to pay for the right equipment or software to protect your business against digital threats, you might be surprised to know that the human element is of much bigger concern. Here’s why.

Social engineering: Humans can be easily manipulated through social engineering tactics, such as phishing and pretexting, which can lead to the compromise of sensitive information.

Human error: Humans are prone to making mistakes, such as using weak passwords, clicking on suspicious links, or leaving sensitive information unsecured. These actions can open the door to cyberattacks.

Lack of security awareness: Many individuals may not be aware of the risks associated with their online activities, or may not understand how to properly secure their devices and accounts.

Insider threats: Employees, contractors, and other insiders may intentionally or unintentionally cause harm to an organization’s cybersecurity.

Personal devices: Remote employees often use personal devices for work, which may not have the same level of security as company-provided devices, increasing the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks.

Social media: Employees may unknowingly share sensitive information on social media, and that information could be exploited by attackers.

Remote access: Remote employees access company resources remotely, and that gap in oversight could potentially be exploited by an attacker.

Personal interests: Employees can sometimes prioritize their own personal interests above the security of the organization.

Lack of training: Without proper training and education, employees may not know how to identify and respond to cyber threats.