A comprehensive security strategy requires a balance in technology, people, and business processes. The advent of remote work in the last two years has raised a concern about cybersecurity in many corporate identities. Earlier, it was easy to safeguard employees, data, and information in one physical place. But securing remote employees in 2022 is quite challenging as the workforce is spread across the globe.
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Tips And Tricks To Secure Remote Workforce
The pandemic-driven change is urging organizations to opt for such security strategies that will immediately identify threats and eliminate them. Let’s deep-dive into the security concerns remote employees face and how employers can overcome those risks and vulnerabilities to stay competitive.
Keep all the apps and systems updated
Remote employees need to keep their apps and programs updated regularly. The apps that get patch security updates now and then indicate the fact that they have fixed previous flaws. The apps and systems that are not timely updated make the data and information more vulnerable. Besides, WordPress themes should also be chosen carefully as the themes that are not updated timely become security risks. The on-site IT team easily solves these issues, but it is mandatory to update the system when needed for remote employees.
Adopt proper remote work policies
Formalize a clear remote work policy that will finalize how remote employees will work, connect and interact. Some companies ask their remote employees to use password managers or VPNs for secure access. Remote companies have included data encryption, security training for their employees, and usage of personal devices in their remote work policies. Many companies conduct mandatory training sessions twice a year as part of their remote work policy. Moreover, an IT team should formulate and implement the remote security policy.
Opt for an effective antivirus software
Always make sure that the device or system that is used to complete remote work is updated with an effective antivirus. It is the antivirus that helps companies in avoiding malware, ransomware attacks, and spyware. Many advanced antivirus software platforms prevent common threats and automatically update themselves to eradicate vulnerabilities. Remote companies must invest heavily in antivirus programs to protect their systems and remote teams.
Adopt a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is software that enables companies to get end-to-end encryption services for all of their online activities. VPN is inexpensive software that once installed into remote workforce systems provides full protection against risks. No matter if a company uses a home network or a public network, a VPN service is always recommended. An all-inclusive VPN policy guarantees the fact that even if the remote worker’s home network is compromised, it will not harm the company’s network.
Apply multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication process enables users to secure their apps and data by providing more than one password. Single passwords are easy to access for cybercriminals, so many companies apply multi-factor authentication to counter cyber attacks. The process of multi-factor is easy. A remote user simply has to log in, enter a password, and request an OTP or one-time code on their phone or email. This helps users to keep their accounts secure even if their password gets compromised. If the hacker tries to get access to the account with OTP, the user gets notified about the activity.
Adopt cloud software
Cloud software solutions work best for hybrid and remote workforces. Cloud-based apps have stringent protocols for data security. Their strict security measures use multi-factor authentication to access data. Cloud-based software frees companies from the worries of security lapses. The cloud-powered apps provide a collaborative and cohesive working environment to remote teams. Another added benefit of cloud software is easy accessibility to everyone, in-platform communication, and instant real-time updates.
Secure your passwords
Passwords are the first line of defense against cyber threats and criminal activities. That is why it is always necessary to make such passwords that are long and have capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Remote workers are supposed to have different passwords for different apps that sometimes get difficult to remember. Many encrypted apps and strict security policies help users manage passwords professionally.
Adopt secure platforms for video meetings
Remote companies mainly rely on video calling platforms for holding business meetings. Cybercriminals are always in the nook. They are continuously monitoring your activities and can easily access sensitive information. That is why it is always preferable to adopt those video platforms protected by passwords, have end-to-end encryption, and provide updates regularly to avoid any security flaws.
Hire trusted third-party service providers
Sometimes it gets difficult for remote companies to handle their marketing, finance, and IT departments. It is better to outsource security services to trusted third-party service providers like NordLayer. They have all the desired tools and expertise to mitigate risks, reduce vulnerabilities and efficiently streamline business processes with the organization needing to invest considerable resources. If you need additional resources, you can immediately scale to meet the demands by only paying for the services you consume.
Conclusion
Remote work is the future, and it is here to stay due to its multipurpose benefits, including flexibility and work-life balance. But one must not underestimate the security risks and lapses that are associated with remote environments. Employees and employers are both prone to cyber-attacks and security lapses. That is why companies must adopt security-driven strategies that will prevent data breaches and safeguard data.
Remote companies must conduct security training sessions now and then. Besides, companies should adopt cloud-based and user-centric security policies that will strengthen the security wall of the company. This will enhance endpoint visibility and provide robust protection to remote employees.
