Is your Remote Workforce your Achilles Heel?

Everybody remembers the scramble to set up employees to work from home after COVID broke out in 2020. A bit of that remote workforce has returned to the office. Forbes reported in January that “Currently, 15.2% (24.4 million) of Americans work from home, marking a significant decline from the peak of 37% in early 2021.”

While the rise of remote work continues to redefine the modern workplace, the days of rigid office schedules and commutes have seriously deteriorated. With this flexibility comes a new set of challenges and threats. Remote work environments often introduce vulnerabilities to your organization's data and systems.

73% of executives believe that remote work increases security risk.

These risks can be mitigated with the right defensive strategies. Let’s look at the essential security practices for remote teams. You’ll learn how to keep company data safe and secure, no matter your location.

1) Home Network Security

Wi-Fi Encryption is a MUST!

Cyber crooks can grab data out of the air easier than they can from cables and wires, so make sure that your Wi-Fi is encrypted with the latest security protocols, such as WPA3. This is a foundational step in securing a home network. This prevents unauthorized users from accessing your network and intercepting data.

Do NOT Use Default Router Settings

Routers, like many devices, often come with default usernames and passwords - which are well-known to cyber criminals. Change these to unique, strong credentials. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your network.

2) Use Strong Passwords

This advice comes straight from the ‘DUH!’ file. The world’s most used password (123456) is also the most easily cracked (DUH!). For information on how to  satisfy this defense requirement, please read our tips in 'Creating Strong Passwords' on this website.

Use a Password Manager

Everything with a login needs to have its own, unique password, so workers can end up with a lot of passwords to remember, which is a daunting task. Password managers can generate, store, and autofill complex passwords. This helps ensure that each account has a unique and strong password, and you only need to remember ONE – the password for the password manager.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

If you haven’t Installed MFA yet, what’s the holdup? It adds an extra layer of security, so even when a hacker compromises a password, MFA requires a second form of verification – commonly a code sent tour email or smartphone. This second step makes it much harder for attackers to breach accounts.

3) Protect Your Devices

Antivirus/Anti-Malware Software

Ensure that all devices used for work purposes have up-to-date anti-malware software installed and set them up for automated updates and security patches. These tools can detect and neutralize threats before they cause significant damage.

What Happens Without Updates?

Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that are exploited by cybercriminals. To stay protected against the latest threats, enable automatic updates for your:

Operating system

Applications

Security software

Encrypted Storage

Wherever you can encrypt data… DO IT! Especially use encrypted storage for sensitive data. This ensures that even if a device is lost or stolen, the data remains inaccessible to hackers – even if they can get it, they can’t read it. You can use both built-in options and third-party solutions.

4) Secure Your Communication Channels

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)

VPNs are a lifesaver in many arenas – for a remote workforce, it encrypts your internet traffic. It also provides protection when using ‘Free’ public Wi-Fi (like at a Starbucks). This makes it difficult for attackers to intercept and access your data. Using a reputable VPN service is crucial. Especially when accessing company resources over public or unsecured networks.

Encrypt Your Messaging and Email

Like we said above, encrypt everything, especially communications in any form. These protect the content of your messages and emails and thwart many ‘phishing’ schemes. When choosing messaging and email services, ask about encryption. This can ensure that your communications remain private and secure.

5) Safe Browsing Policies & Procedures (P&P)

Browser Security

Always keep your web browser up-to-date and configured for security. This includes:

Enabling features such as pop-up blockers

Disabling third-party cookies

Using secure (HTTPS) connections whenever possible

Learn How to Avoid Phishing Attacks

The #1 form of cyber-attack continues to be phishing. Be vigilant about unsolicited emails or messages asking for sensitive information. Verify the sender’s identity before clicking on links or downloading attachments.

Institute an Incident Response Plan (IRP – see below), so that your IT Services department can immediately be alerted to suspicious communications. This helps others on your team avoid the same emails.

Use Ad Blockers

Ads are not just a nuisance; they can be dangerous. Ad blockers can prevent malicious ads from displaying on your browser. These often contain malware or phishing links. This adds an extra layer of security while browsing the web.

6) Security Awareness Training

Here at IT Support LA, we can’t beat this drum too loudly or too often. Over 90% of data breaches are due to employee error. It’s time to ‘wise-up’ your staff to be able to spot and deal with even the newest of threats.

Continuous Security Awareness Training is essential. This includes phishing simulations and best practices for device and data security. Teams should also be aware of any new security protocols.

Incident Response Plan

As mentioned above, instituting an Incident Response Plan (IRP) is essential. This ensures that all employees know what steps to take in the event of a security breach. This should include:

Reporting procedures

Mitigation steps

Contact information for the IT support team

7) Vigilance and Personal Responsibility

Personal Device Hygiene

Every employee should maintain good digital hygiene on their personal devices, whether they use them for business or not; if they can read their work emails from their smartphone, it must be protected. This includes regular backups and secure configurations. They should also separate personal and professional activities where possible.

Social Engineering Awareness

Social engineering attacks exploit emotions to gain access to systems and data. Employees need to be aware of common tactics, such as pretexting and baiting. Maintaining a healthy skepticism can prevent falling victim to these attacks.