As more and more companies are transitioning to remote work, it’s important to be aware of the potential cybersecurity threats that come with working from home. In this article, we’ll cover the top tips and best practices for ensuring your online security and protecting your sensitive data while working remotely.
Tips for Protecting Data While Working Remotely
Working remotely may come with numerous benefits such as flexible scheduling, reduced commute time, and increased productivity. However, it also opens you up to cyber attacks and other online security risks. To work safely from the comforts of your home, consider adopting the following best practices:
- Install Antivirus Software: A reputable antivirus software will ensure that your system is protected from malware, spyware, and other security threats.
- Use Strong Passwords: A strong password is a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters and is at least 12 characters long. Never reuse passwords across different accounts.
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) provides a secure connection to your organization’s network. It encrypts your web traffic, making it difficult for cybercriminals to steal your data.
- Secure Online Meetings: Use video-conferencing software that is password-protected and has end-to-end encryption. Cover your webcam when not in use.
- Create an Ergonomic Workspace: Ensure that your work area is comfortable, and your computer is set up at the correct height level to protect yourself from Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI).
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Be wary of phishing email scams and avoid divulging personal information such as social security numbers and banking details.
- Change Router Passwords: Change default router passwords to ensure that cybercriminals cannot access your home Wi-Fi network.
- Secure a Centralized Storage Solution: Employers should ensure that they have a centralized storage solution like a cloud-based platform where remote workers can store organizational data securely.
EU Agency for Cybersecurity Recommendations
The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) recommends that employers and employees follow detailed cybersecurity tips and guidelines when it comes to teleworking. Their guidelines cover areas such as:
- Cyber Hygiene: Adopt cybersecurity best practices, such as regularly installing software updates and securing online meetings.
- Verify Requests: Be wary of suspicious emails or phone calls asking you to reveal sensitive information and verify the source.
- COVID-19 Awareness: Stay aware of COVID-19-related security risks like phishing attacks. Use official sources for reliable information, and avoid opening attachments or clicking on links in emails from unknown sources.
- Recommendations for Staff on Teleworking: Ensure staff have guidance on using teleworking solutions securely. Ensure that passwords are strong and different from ones used for personal accounts, and that employees avoid public Wi-Fi networks when working remotely.
- European Cybersecurity Month: This annual campaign is run throughout October and aims to raise awareness of cybersecurity threats, promote cybersecurity, and provide the public with resources to help keep them safe online. Employers and employees alike should take advantage of this campaign’s resources to strengthen their cybersecurity posture.##13 Security Tips for Employers and Employees
Businesses that want to ensure their remote workforce operates safely should adopt cybersecurity tactics such as:
- Migrating to Cloud Applications: Cloud-based platforms have robust capabilities to help keep your data safe in case of a security breach on one of your work devices.
- Implementing BYOD/MDM Policies: Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies allow employees to use their devices for work purposes. Companies should implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) software that can remotely manage the security of employee devices.
- Using Multi-Factor Authentication: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) provides an additional layer of security by requiring more than just a password to access sensitive data.
- Regularly Running Software Updates: Ensure remote employees regularly install the latest updates and patches to their software to reduce the risk of cyber attacks.
- Securing Video Meetings: Use a dedicated password-protected conference line, avoid screen-sharing sensitive data.
- Creating Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords that are more than 12 characters long, with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Avoiding Public Wi-Fi Networks: Encourage your employees to work from home via their Wi-Fi networks or to use a VPN if working from other public places.
- Encrypting Sensitive Data: Encrypting data by scrambling it to make it unreadable except by those with the correct authentication credentials.
- Controlling Access to Sensitive Data: Ensure that your organization’s sensitive data is only available to employees that require access.
- Regularly Backing up Data: Protect against data loss by regularly backing up data to a secure, separate location.
- Managing Employee Access: Ensure that your employees have the necessary permissions to access the data, but only the data they require to do their job.
- Using Cyber Insurance: Cyber Insurance can cover the cost of any data breaches and help organizations recover if a data breach occurs.
- Performing Breach Readiness Assessments: Regular cybersecurity assessments are essential for maintaining your cybersecurity posture. It helps to identify vulnerabilities that require immediate attention before they can be exploited by cybercriminals.
Basic Tips for Remote Workers to Enhance Cybersecurity
As a remote worker, you must take the following basic steps to minimize the risk of cyber attacks:
- Use Strong Passwords: Set strong passwords for all of your remote work accounts and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
- Regularly Install Software Updates: Keep your software updated regularly to mitigate security risks.
- Use Different Policies for Personal and Work Devices: Keep personal and work devices separate and use different policies for accessing data.
- Detect Phishing Scams: Be vigilant for suspicious emails that may seem legitimate but are trying to steal your personal and confidential data.
- Use a VPN: Secure your internet connection by using a VPN.
- Perform Cybersecurity Audits: Ensure that your devices and networks are secure by performing cybersecurity audits.
- Provide Cybersecurity Training: Stay aware of the latest cybersecurity risks and provide cybersecurity training to your employees to keep them informed of potential threats.
- Be careful in Online Meetings: Use screen protectors in public areas, avoid sharing sensitive data.
- Protect Your Webcam: Keep yourself safe by covering your webcam when not in use.
- Be Cautious of Family Members Using Your Work Devices: Be aware of the security risks potential by other household members accessing and using your device.
- Safeguard Your Wi-Fi: Ensure that your home Wi-Fi connection is secure and that your router is password-protected.
Conclusion
In conclusion, remote work cybersecurity is crucial for both employees and employers. By following basic steps such as using antivirus software, regularly changing passwords, being aware of phishing scams, and secure online meetings, employees can protect themselves and their organization against a data breach. Employers must provide remote work security tips, policies, and cybersecurity training to employees to ensure that their work is accomplished effectively and safely. Remote working can provide flexible scheduling and increase productivity, and with the right remote work cybersecurity practices, it can be done securely.