The digital era has transformed how and where people work. As a result, the number of remote workers is on the rise. Intelligent virtual collaboration solutions and cloud-based tools have made it easier for companies to give their employees the flexibility they want while keeping them secure. By switching from an office setting to working remotely, employees save time and money on commuting, hotels, and downtime between assignments. However, with increased connectivity comes increased risk. Employees who telecommute are more susceptible to cyber attacks than those who work in an office. Here are five cyber security risks remote workers face:
1. Cloud Storage Risks for Remote Workers
Employees who store confidential information in cloud storage need to understand how data ownership is managed if the provider goes out of business or is compromised by cybercriminals. Clear ownership policies will ensure that if your remote workers need to retrieve files that have been breached or deleted due to a server outage, they’ll be able to access them. All sensitive information should be encrypted before it’s uploaded to the cloud. You should find a new provider if the provider doesn’t support encryption. This is the only way to protect your data if a hacker gains access to the cloud server. Remote workers should avoid storing large amounts of sensitive information in the cloud. If you need to keep large data sets that you don’t plan to reuse regularly, consider investing in secure on-site storage.
2. Lack of Good Network Security Practices
The network connection is the most vulnerable aspect of any remote worker’s IT setup. Someone who doesn’t follow network security best practices could expose the organization to security breaches and cyber-attacks, as well as violate the law by infringing on the privacy of others. Planning, designing, and implementing a secure network connection are the first steps to keeping your remote workers safe. You can start by auditing your current network and identifying risks such as missing patches, unsecured WiFi networks, or out-of-date operating systems. Try to use wired connections whenever possible, especially for accessing sensitive data. And make sure to use strong passwords and two-factor authentication when possible to secure your network connection and accounts.
3. Limited Employee Training
No matter how secure your virtual collaboration tools and network security protocols are, your remote workers could still leave digital footprints that hackers can exploit. Remote employees who don’t know how to protect their privacy and keep their devices secure could inadvertently compromise your entire organization. Your remote workers should be trained to protect themselves from social engineering attacks and cyber threats. They should know not to click on links or attachments from people they don’t know, use strong passwords, and avoid visiting malicious websites that could infect their devices with malware. These training programs can be administered through virtual collaboration platforms to ensure employees have timely access to critical information. You can also use video conferencing to bring employees together in one virtual location.
4. Third-party Vendors and Contractors
For small business cybersecurity, one of the most significant security risks when employing third-party vendors and contractors is whether they are following your organization’s security protocols. Before you select a third-party vendor or contractor, you should ask for proof that they have been vetted, either through a background check or internal cyber security audits. Vendors and contractors should be required to use encrypted communications and protect their devices with strong passwords. And remote workers should be careful about what information they share with these individuals.
5. Virtual Collaboration Risk
One of the benefits of virtual collaboration tools is that they let employees work from anywhere. But the problem is that these tools are not built to be secure by default. They’re designed to be easy to use, regardless of the user’s experience level. To avoid security risks associated with virtual collaboration tools, employers must set up and use the tools correctly. That includes: Setting up identity and access management tools that let you assign permissions, revoke access and ensure that data is encrypted. Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts with 2FA to ensure accounts are not compromised, and if they are, you have time to revoke access.
Conclusion
Remote workers now make up over 20% of the global workforce, and the number is only growing. Organizations recognize the benefits of allowing their employees to work remotely, but they must ensure they take the necessary steps to protect themselves from cyber threats. Remote workers can experience the same cyber attacks as employees working in an office. To keep your remote workers safe from cyber attacks, ensure they understand their work-from-home risks and follow the necessary protocols to secure their devices and networks.
