The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled many organizations to implement remote work policies to maintain business continuity. Although remote work offers flexibility and convenience, it poses significant cybersecurity risks. The absence of a secure office environment, the use of personal devices, and the utilization of public networks all increase the probability of cyber-attacks. This article will investigate the cybersecurity risks associated with remote work and offer mitigation strategies.
Personal device use is one of the most significant hazards of remote work. Personal devices are typically less secure than company-issued devices, and employees may have different security protocols at home than at work. This situation increases the likelihood of data breaches and other forms of cybercrime. 90% of IT leaders, according to a study by the cybersecurity company Tanium, believe that remote workers pose a greater danger to cybersecurity than on-site employees.
Using public networks is an additional risk associated with remote employment. Public networks are frequently insecure, making data transmitted over them susceptible to interception by hackers. According to a study by the virtual private network provider NordVPN Teams, sixty percent of remote employees utilize public Wi-Fi for work-related duties. This circumstance increases the likelihood of cyber-attacks such as man-in-the-middle and phishing attacks.
During the pandemic, phishing schemes, a common cyber-attack, have become more prevalent. Phishing schemes utilize bogus emails or websites to deceive users into divulging sensitive information, such as usernames and passwords. According to a report by the Anti-Phishing Working Group, phishing attacks increased by 22% from the same period in 2020 to the first quarter of 2021. This situation emphasizes the significance of educating remote employees on recognizing and avoiding fraudulent schemes.
The lack of a secure office environment is an additional risk associated with remote work. Firewalls, antivirus software, and other security measures frequently protect employees in the workplace. Employees may have different standards of protection when working remotely. This difference increases the likelihood of malware and other forms of cyberattack. According to a report by the technology company Cisco, malware attacks increased by 260% in 2020 compared to 2019.
Organizations should employ various cybersecurity strategies to mitigate the dangers associated with remote work. One approach entails providing employees with company-supplied devices that are equipped with security protocols. This approach may consist of firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption. Organizations should also implement virtual private networks (VPNs) to ensure the encryption and security of data transmitted over public networks.
Employee education on cybersecurity best practices, such as how to recognize and avoid phishing schemes, is another tactic. Additionally, organizations should provide regular cybersecurity training to employees to ensure they are aware of the most recent hazards and how to mitigate them.
In conclusion, remote work poses substantial cybersecurity risks, such as using personal devices, public networks, phishing schemes, and the absence of a secure office environment. Organizations must implement various cybersecurity strategies to mitigate these risks, such as providing employees with secure devices, instituting VPNs, and educating employees on best practices. By implementing these measures, organizations can guarantee that remote work is secure and does not compromise sensitive data or information.
Our team here at Telivy can assist you with an assessment and education on best practices to help address this concern. If you are interested in a Demo of how our services can help you manage this concern and many more, please email support@telivy.com, and we will reach out to schedule some time with you!
Sources:
Tanium, "IT Leaders Believe Remote Workers Pose a Greater Threat to Cybersecurity," 2020, https://www.tanium.com/resource-center/it-leaders-believe-remote-workers-pose-a-greater-threat-to-cybersecurity/ NordVPN Teams, "Remote Workers Use Public Wi-Fi for Work-Related Tasks Despite Cybersecurity Risks," 2021, https://nordvpnteams.com
