Cybersecurity Concerns for Remote Workforces and How to Tackle Them
This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Melissa Orozco
The COVID-19 outbreak in 2019 forced many companies to work remotely. While most resumed on-site operations after the pandemic ended, some fully embraced remote workforces, with statistics indicating that about 16 percent of all the companies in the U.S. operate remotely.
This working arrangement brought many benefits, like reduced operating costs, increased employee productivity, and access to a larger talent pool. However, it also came with major concerns, cybersecurity being among the most serious.
Let’s explore some of the security challenges remote workforces encounter and how organizations can help address them.
Cybersecurity Concerns For Remote Workforces
The decentralized nature of remote workforces exposes organizations to several security challenges, including:
- Unsecured Networks: Remote workers usually rely on open networks, such as home WI-FI, and other public places like coffee shops and restaurants. This puts any sensitive data employees handle at risk of hackers, especially if stored or shared in unencrypted formats.
- Email Phishing Attacks: Due to the lack of in-person verification, remote employees may be more susceptible to email scams seeking to steal sensitive company data.
- Device Insecurity: Many remote workers often work from personal devices that may lack the same security measures that company devices may have. This makes these devices vulnerable to cyberattacks, such as malware.
How to Secure Remote Workforces
While the above cybersecurity concerns are valid, there are several measures that companies can take to ensure they don’t disrupt normal working operations. These include:
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Organizations should encourage remote workers to use VPNs whenever accessing the company network and sending sensitive data. VPNs act as secure networks for accessing resources and data online by hiding the user’s IP address and encrypting data. This way, any data or information shared remains secure even when using open networks and personal devices.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-Factor Authentication is a security technique that requires a user to provide more than one form of evidence before accessing a network or application. Companies can integrate this security measure to ensure that only authorized individuals can access company resources. For instance, in addition to requiring passwords, company networks can incorporate the need for a one-time code sent to the user’s phone or email.
Endpoint Security
For employees accessing the organization network with personal devices, endpoint security should be a requirement. This security measure works by protecting the entry point of devices like mobile phones, desktop computers, and laptops from malicious threat actors. It analyzes data entering a network against a database of previously identified threats, thus protecting networks from harmful actions.
Employee Education and Training
Sensitizing employees on the importance of cybersecurity is just as important as implementing preventive security measures. Therefore, employee training should cover all aspects of cybersecurity, such as the preventative measures they should incorporate, how to detect security breaches, and how to react when a breach occurs. This helps keep employees on guard and prepared for when attacks occur.
Conclusion
With over 90 percent of the U.S. working population saying they prefer remote work, more organizations will have to adapt their infrastructure to retain and attract skilled workers. But for remote employees to work seamlessly, companies must invest in and implement strong cybersecurity measures, by being proactive rather than reactive.
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