From unstable Wi-Fi connections to attention-seeking pets, remote working poses several challenges for employees and employers alike. However, none of these issues are as important as cyber security when working from home.Because the biggest threat always comes from the inside, you need to ensure that remote employees are as safe as in the office. Read on as we break down how to do exactly that.
Always use a VPN
Virtual private networks (VPNs) are encrypted connections from a device to a network. In a few words, they turn public networks into private networks. Often used by private users to get around geographically restricted websites, VPNs are also great at protecting employees from potential cyber security threats. By providing secure and remote access to a network, VPNs can prevent network attacks and limit access to file stores or databases.
There is one extra perk to VPNs. Employers can also use them to filter a user’s network traffic, blocking access to social media websites or streaming services.
Establish security protocols
Never leave your employees in the dark. All employees working from home should receive security guidance explaining how to access company files via a VPN or how to spot with a potential phishing email.
Enable two-factor authentication
Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) is an easy way of providing an extra layer of security. By granting access to a system only after presenting two or more pieces of evidence of identity, 2FA offers protection from unauthorised access. A password plus an authenticator app (such as Microsoft’s) is one of the most common 2FA combinations for companies.
Have separate work and personal devices
With working from home becoming common practice, employees are relying more and more on their personal devices. In fact, a recent survey found that more than half of the employees working from home use their personal devices for work. There are several reasons why this is extremely dangerous. To start with, the employee’s software might be outdated, making their system more vulnerable. On top of that, data in private devices is unlikely to be encrypted, leading to the easy spread of sensitive information.
Having separate devices will reduce the chances of sensitive data being transmitted to personal accounts. It can also provide some helpful separation between professional and private mindsets, helping staff to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Invest in training
You wouldn’t assign a project to an employee who hasn’t been properly trained in that specific area. Similarly, it is unfair to expect your staff to know the ins and outs of cyber security without proper training.
Because home-working usually means working without supervision, employers need to pay particular attention to cyber security training. From phishing to man-in-the-middle attacks, hackers will always target the least cyber-savvy employees to get their hands on sensitive information. In fact, a report from the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office found that 90% of all data breaches were the result of internal mistakes.
Let us help you
If you really want to improve your company’s security, it’s imperative that you proactively manage threats, start creating your cyber security strategy today with the help of our team of security experts.