Unfortunately, cybersecurity and remote working are intimately connected. While the COVID-19 epidemic appears to be far from gone, cyber risks to individuals and organisations remain a major concern. At the present, the only solution is to invest in powerful technology solutions to safeguard your network and to hire cybersecurity specialists to build healthy remote working habits. Looking to secure your business then hire cyber security experts.
If you enable the majority of your staff to work remotely, it is critical that you follow a few simple practises to secure your devices and your network from cyber criminals.
Here’s a quick look at a few basic suggestions for remote workers that can go a long way toward improving your organization’s overall security posture.
For additional information, you may also download our remote working cyber security checklist.
Select Robust Passwords
Passwords are your first line of defence against illegal access to your devices and personal data. By generating a strong, one-of-a-kind password, you greatly improve security. You make it more difficult for fraudsters to get access to and disrupt your network systems.
When generating a new password, keep the following points in mind:
In your password, you should avoid utilising common words and character combinations. Be mindful that words such as “mypassword,” simple digit combinations such as “1234”, and predictable character sequences such as “qwerty” are all poor password selections.
Choose lengthier passwords — at least eight characters are recommended. If your password consists of three random words, a few digits, and a few symbols, you’ve found the right combination.
Use separate passwords for different accounts and platforms. If remembering many passwords is difficult for you, utilise a password manager. This is one of the most fundamental security steps you can use on your own to safeguard your personal and corporate data from cyber threats.
Install Updates
Rule number two is to never ignore those little pop-up windows that inform you that software updates for your device are available. If you receive such a message, make sure to install the most recent software as soon as possible. Timely software updates (including antivirus updates) aid in the patching of security weaknesses and the protection of the computer system.
Are you preoccupied with your work and dislike being interrupted by such notifications? We strongly advise you to encourage your employees to enable software auto-update on both mobile devices and laptops. It will assist you and your staff in avoiding problems caused by late system updates.
Create a policy for remote work for your team.
If you are a remote team leader or business owner, you must develop a robust remote working policy to assist your team with risk management. You might also consider educating them on cyber incident response in order to cope with any cyber incidents that may arise.
The following subjects must be covered:
- The prerequisites for compliance
- Data security in information systems
- Data security – Remote access management
- Media backup and storage
- Disposal of information – Alternate work locations
If you are confused how to write a remote working policy, you can hire an expert or use writing websites like Supreme Dissertations. Writers with experience in cybersecurity will advise your team members on how to safeguard remote workplaces.
Learn to detect phishing scams
The Covid-19 epidemic has resulted in an increase in phishing email scams. The number of phishing emails sent globally jumped by 667 percent during the first month of the coronavirus lockdown.
What precisely is a phishing email? It’s the type of email with an attachment or embedded link that the scammer wants the consumer to click on. That click could install malware on the user’s device and disrupt the system.
As a remote worker, you should exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking on links in any email that appears suspect to you.
Here’s how to tell if an email is a phishing scam:
Emails sent from public email domains such as @gmail.com and @yahoo.com should not be trusted. Keep in mind that every reputable business has its own email domain and company accounts. Genuine LinkedIn emails, for example, begin with “@linkedin.com.”
Check to see if the domain name is accurately spelled
Identify grammatical and spelling mistakes in the text. Phishing emails are typically badly crafted.
Do not open any attachments that you did not expect to get. For example, if you receive an email with an attached PDF file purporting to be an invoice from someone you don’t know, don’t open it.
Messages that create a sense of urgency should be avoided. Scammers frequently utilise this psychological tactic to persuade users to click on dangerous links.
For data and communication security, use secure email services.
Do you work as part of a multi-cultural remote team?
If you’re used to working with non-native English speakers, you’re probably used to receiving emails that aren’t flawless in terms of grammar. It may also be difficult for you to discern between phishing emails and those sent genuine coworkers.
What can you do to resolve this issue? Encourage team members to use online grammar checkers such as TrustMyPaper if you are a remote team leader. This will assist your staff in improving their writing and making it easier for the organisation as a whole to detect phishing emails.
Turn on VPN
Do your employees connect to your network via a virtual private network (VPN)? If this is the case, you should tell them that the VPN is a critical aspect of network security and should never be turned off. A VPN is intended to secure information exchanged between employers and distant employees by encrypting data.
You protect your network from hackers and cyber spies who can intercept sensitive data, such as bank papers and client data, by keeping the VPN turned on. Whether your remote staff work from home or a local coffee shop, staying connected to the organization’s VPN is critical to the security of any critical information.
Keep your devices separate
If your employees use a company-provided device, be sure they only use it for work. Encourage them not to use it to watch their favourite TV episodes on Netflix or to book vacation tickets – activities that can be completed on personal devices. The opposite is also true. Use your own tablet or PC for work only if it is properly secured.
By following this simple guideline, you will reduce cybersecurity risks and prevent the theft of valuable corporate data as well as your personal data.
The number of cyberattacks is increasing on a daily basis. You should also make an extra effort to protect the security of your company’s networks and equipment. Following the basic guidelines outlined above can go a long way toward protecting your company from cybercrime in the age of remote working.
Keep your Devices Secured
This pandemic has increased the number of people who work from home, making data security an even more critical and difficult responsibility. As a result, it is recommended to keep your devices up to date and your systems protected with anti-virus/anti-malware software to maintain data and device security.
The following security precautions must be taken:
- All free Wi-Fi hotspots must be prohibited.
- If you must use public Wi-Fi, utilise a VPN.
- Teach your staff about cyber-threats, their symptoms, and how to avoid them.
- For increased security, use complicated passwords and MFA.
- Update your operating system on a regular basis.
- Restriction on access to sensitive data.