In today’s digitally connected world, remote work has become a critical component of how many businesses operate. While working remotely offers flexibility and convenience, it also exposes businesses to new cyber security risks.
These risks can range from data breaches to phishing attacks, with cybercriminals always looking for ways to exploit vulnerabilities. For small businesses the challenge is even greater, as they lack the resources that larger corporations have to secure their digital operations. Working remotely often means that employees may access sensitive company data from various locations, which increases the risk of exposure to cyber threats.
In this article, we’ll explore steps your business can take to safeguard remote workers and reduce the risk of security breaches.
Securing the Remote Workplace
One of the most important factors in maintaining cybersecurity for remote employees is ensuring they work in a secure digital environment, similar to their setup in an office. By securing their work environment, businesses can mitigate risks and protect sensitive information.
Public vs. Private Networks
When employees are working remotely, it's crucial they access company data through secure networks. One way to be secure is working on password protected private networks, such as home WiFi or secure mobile hotspots. This is crucial because unsecured public networks found in cafes, libraries or train stations can lead to unauthorised access and potential data breaches.
If public networks are the only available option, then businesses should require the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This adds an extra layer of encryption, helping to protect company data from cybercriminals.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
A VPN allows employees to securely access the company's internal network, encrypting data sent between their device and the business server. This is particularly important for employees who need to access sensitive business data from different locations and on unsecured networks.
A VPN can significantly reduce the risk of data interception by hackers, especially for remote workers who need to work from different locations every day.
Built-in device security
Another way to keep your data safe is using devices built with security in mind. Samsung Enterprise devices come with built in security features and advanced support, so your employees can work with confidence. Knox suite also makes it easy to deploy multiple devices, with base security setting from Samsung experts and options to customise further for your business. We’ve also got Laptops with built in security chips to meet all your employees’ work needs.
Keeping Data Secure
Data security is crucial for every business, and when employees work remotely, the need for strong data protection measures grows. On top of securing work environments, businesses need to ensure the safety of the data itself.
Strong Passwords
Weak passwords are one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to sensitive data. Encouraging employees to create strong, unique passwords is a fundamental aspect of cyber security.
A password management tool can help employees securely generate and store passwords without resorting to weak or repeated credentials. For increased security businesses should enforce regular password changes to avoid potential long-term breaches.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Implementing MFA is an essential and effective security measure that requires users to provide two or more forms of identification before accessing a system. This could include something the user knows (a password), something they have (a text to a smartphone), or something they are (biometric data like a fingerprint). By implementing MFA businesses make it much more difficult for cybercriminals to breach accounts, even if passwords are compromised.
Keeping Software Up to Date
Outdated software is one of the primary targets for cyberattacks, as hackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in older versions of operating systems and applications. It's essential that employees keep all their devices and applications updated with the latest patches and security updates.
Devices like the Samsung Enterprise range are built with long term security in mind. With Samsung Enterprise models coming with 4 years of regular security updates to protect against cyberattacks.
Data Encryption
Encryption converts data into unreadable formats, ensuring that even if it’s intercepted, it remains inaccessible to unauthorized users. For employees working remotely, encrypted communication platforms and encrypted file-sharing services can help safeguard sensitive business information. Businesses should also ensure that any sensitive files sent over email or shared through cloud services are encrypted.
Communication and awareness
Even the most advanced security systems can fail if employees aren’t vigilant, with human error being one of the largest vulnerabilities to any system. Promoting security awareness and fostering open communication among remote workers is essential to maintaining strong cyber security. By educating employees about potential threats and encouraging them to stay alert, businesses can reduce the risk of security breaches caused by oversight or mistakes.
Reporting Suspicious Activity
It’s important to immediately report any suspicious emails, phone calls, or activity to IT staff and colleagues. Any delays could provide hackers with the time needed to breach systems or lead to other employees being affected by the same issue e.g. phishing. IT teams can respond more effectively when potential threats are flagged early.
Phishing and Phone Call Scams
Phishing attacks often come in the form of emails that trick employees into sharing sensitive information. In a remote work environment phishing scams may increase, targeting employees who aren’t with their team and are less likely to double-check requests. Regular training can be an effective way to help employees recognize the warning signs of phishing, such as suspicious links, misspelled domains, or unexpected requests for personal information.
Phone call scams are another growing issue, where attackers impersonate IT staff or other company figures to extract sensitive information. You should never share sensitive information over the phone unless you can verify the identity of the caller. You can verify your own colleagues by contacting them through your businesses secure communication channels e.g. Microsoft Teams.
Only Download from Trusted Sources
Employees should only download software and files from trusted sources. Unknown attachments or links can lead to malware infections that jeopardize the entire organization. Verifying the legitimacy of emails or files before downloading them, especially from unfamiliar sources, can prevent cyberattacks.