Remote Working: Security Risks and Best Practices for Working Remotely
As the world struggles to cope with the virus pandemic, working from home has become a new normal. Worldwide people are working remotely, getting education online, and relying on online modes of communication to fulfill their daily basis of work and lifestyle needs. However, as the pandemic has forced millions to work remotely, this increased online connectivity has also provided an opportunity for cybercriminals to attack a bigger audience.
Remote working cybersecurity risks
Many factors contribute to increasing remote working cybersecurity threats. Not everyone out of 18% of the world population working remotely is aware of the digital security risks associated with virtual working. Not only there are many individuals that are working remotely for the first time, but there are also many businesses that are also new to the remote working business models. Below are some of the factors that can make remote working a security risk to your business and to your digital wellbeing.
1- Lack of cybersecurity awareness
In addition to over 73% of remote workers not having any fundamental skills in cybersecurity and training, there are also remote workplaces that lack essentials security policies and procedures to cope with the security risks associated with remote working. Sharing critical data/information digitally, saving sensitive information of the company on personal devices, using unsafe and shared internet connections, etc. are some of the remote working security mistakes employees are making today. While remote access security solutions deployed by businesses can help in protecting both their remote employees and the organizational data, it is also imperative that remote workers make security-conscious decisions to identify and prevent potential threats.
2- Same work and personal use devices
Remote workers use the same devices like laptops and phones for personal use that they also use to connect with their workplaces. A cyberattack meant for a workplace can also easily impact the data of employees stored in their personal devices. In other words, storing organizational data into your personal devices can also make you a potential target of cybercriminals.
3- Lack of security practices
It is common for average internet and application end-users and remote workers to overlook the essentials of digital security while working and communicating remotely. Many remote workers neglect to adhere to remote working security practices while dealing with sensitive information/data of their employers. Unsafe remote working ultimately leads many remote workers to lose their credentials in phishing scams, get their devices infected with malware, also jeopardizing the security of their workplaces.
Best work from home security practices
Due to an increase in digital connectivity and internet usage, hackers now have a bigger audience to target. While the digital dangers continue to increase, here are the best practices that you can implement to maximize digital safety while working digitally.
1- Use separate work devices
Encourage your employer to get a separate work device. Or buy one for yourself in order to ensure you do not get caught up in a cyberattack meant for your organization.
2- Use encryption
Store all the critical data/information in encrypted form especially if you are using the same device for work and personal use. Encrypted data will be useless to hackers, whether it is yours or your employer’s.
3- Learn the art of digital security
Learning best security practices to safeguard your digital presence and personal data will help you identify risks on sight and will enable you to make educated decisions. There are many free sources of information on the internet.
As the global health crisis continues to impact the economies and operations of the world, there is no saying when things will go back to normal. However, by the looks of the current and future considerations, experts anticipate that remote working is here to stay and it will be in the best interest of both end-users and businesses to adhere to the best remote security practices and policies to cope with the emerging security challenges.