cybersecurity

With remote work on the rise, many companies are left with questions on how to combat the cybersecurity risks that come with unsecured networks, public Wi-Fi, and decreased company oversight. On the other hand, many employees have questions about the panic over cybersecurity. 

So, is cybersecurity really important? If so, how can business owners prevent cybercrime from affecting their teams? Read ahead to find out what today’s top leaders are saying.

Does Working From Home Affect Cybersecurity?

A remote work environment can increase the risk of a data breach or cyber attack. This is not due to the remote work itself but rather the nature of remote work. Many employees use public Wi-Fi, personal storage devices, and unsanctioned technology while working remotely. These are just some of the factors that can create vulnerabilities in a company’s cybersecurity. 

“Cybersecurity is a real issue that is constantly evolving. With the increase in remote workers, it is more important than ever for companies to stay two steps ahead,” says Anthony Siskos, COO of HypeBlvd.

It has been found that remote work not only expands the potential attack surface but it also moves it outside of the conventional lines of defense. Even defenses such as firewalls or intrusion detection systems are no match for modern-day cybercriminals. Let’s look at some of the most prevalent risks to cybersecurity. 

What Leads To a Higher Risk of Cyberattacks?

While expanded attack surfaces are a major risk, there are four main culprits of remote work-related cyberattacks. Each action leaves sensitive information, like passwords, vulnerable. 

“As a company, you must identify risky behaviors before they become an issue. Being proactive is key when it comes to your company’s cybersecurity,” advises Patricio Paucar, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer of Navi. 

Other risks occur with remote work, such as less oversight by security, poor or unregulated data practices, and webcam hacking or “Zoombombing.” While these pose major threats, you’ll find four of the most common risky behaviors that remote companies and their workers engage in below. 

1. Unsecured Wi-Fi

Remote workers have the ability to work from anywhere in the world — or, more accurately, anywhere they can access Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi is available in coffee shops, restaurants, retail stores, hotels, and just about everywhere in between. 

“Encourage employees to use a VPN, especially if they are using public Wi-Fi. This is one of the only ways to ensure your data is safe when using a public network,” explains Raja Subramanian, GM of Power Wizard.

While this flexibility is great for workers, it does pose a cybersecurity risk. Because public Wi-Fi lacks encryption, cybercriminals can use these public networks to gain access to confidential information. They could also use it to monitor your internet activity and more. 

2. Unsecured Corporate Networks

Many companies that employ remote workers use a corporate network for communications and data transfer. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, hackers will typically target a broad range of corporate networks. Therefore, you are particularly vulnerable to attacks if your network is unsecured. 

“When it comes to cybersecurity attacks, it is often not a question of if, but when. Take every and all necessary steps to secure your network,” shares Alia Bedi, General Manager of L'Evate You.

So, what makes your network vulnerable? Weak passwords, unsecured emails, and outdated software all leave your company open to a data breach. Hackers can use these vulnerabilities to attack a company’s system. 

3. Susceptibility To Phishing and Ransomware 

Phishing attempts and ransomware are one of the most challenging cybersecurity risks that companies face. Especially as these attempts become more advanced and harder to identify. Cybercriminals can make pop-ups or emails that look identical to the ones your company actually uses. 

“People are always going to be the weakest link regarding data breaches. Make sure your employees are well-educated on the latest phishing tactics. Teach them how to identify an attempt and to report it to your IT department immediately following the occurrence,” says Max Schwartzapfel, CMO of Fighting For You New York.

Unsuspecting individuals can be tricked into exposing sensitive data if they click the wrong link or pop-up. Ransomware is also an issue, as it can completely block you off your systems. 

4. Vulnerable Hardware

The main issue of vulnerable hardware is that it’s left wide open for attacks. When the hardware belongs to a remote worker, that can include personal devices. 

“Personal privacy online doesn’t exist. You must actively fight against people harvesting and using your data against you. It’s not an easy battle, but it is a worthwhile one,” advises Asker A Ahmed, Director of iProcess Global Research.

Cybercriminals have the ability to introduce viruses onto hardware that is not properly protected or updated. If a remote worker uses an older system or a storage device that is not protected, their data is at risk. Hardware security keys are often used to prevent these kinds of attacks. 

How To Prevent Cybersecurity Attacks

Hardware

So how do you prevent these detrimental cybersecurity attacks? While it is not possible to eliminate risk entirely, there are some tactics you can employ to secure your sensitive data. This should start with having a comprehensive security team in your IT department and educating your employees on risky behaviors they should avoid engaging in.

Alongside having a data security team and a focus on employee education, there are several other ways to protect your data. Here are five of the best ways to prevent a cybersecurity attack on your remote workers. 

1. Use Comprehensive Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is non-negotiable. Your employees should have comprehensive antivirus software installed on all devices used for company activity. It should also be equipped with automatic updates to prevent the latest and emerging security threats. 

“Antivirus software exists for a reason. Take advantage of it. Update it as needed. It’s a simple concept that is so often overlooked,” advises Andrew Mavis, CEO of 98Strong.

Antivirus software helps to prevent cybercriminals from using advanced attack vectors like malware, ransomware, or spyware. It can successfully identify and fight these threats by preventing scammers from penetrating the network. Without it, your entire company and its data are left vulnerable. 

2. Secure Devices With Encryption

Encryption has the ability to secure data on corporate networks in addition to communications between remote employees. It transforms data into a ciphertext that can only be read or deciphered by the sender and intended recipient. So, even if someone gains access to your messages, they won’t be able to read them. 

“If you think you know everything there is to know about cybersecurity, you’re wrong — and that kind of thinking will leave you open to attacks,” warns Jason Zhang, CTO of Tapin.GG, a company that helps video game players team up for Valorant boosting.

Securing your devices with encryption is an easy way to thwart cybercriminals. It also works as a “backup” option. If your antivirus happens to fail, at least you have encryption. 

3. Secure Home Networking

Your home network is inherently less secure than your employer's network. However, you can take some steps to secure your home network. The first step is to change the default password that comes with your router, as this can be easy for hackers to decipher. 

“If we change our own approach and thinking about what we have available to us, that is what will unlock our ability to truly excel in security,” says Greg York, VP of Information Security for Tribune Media.

You can also strengthen your home network with encryption. You can change this in your router’s wireless configuration page settings. You should also ensure that your router is always running the latest firmware. 

4. Using Strong, Secure, and Unique Passwords

A strong password is the most basic way to prevent a data breach. Make sure that your remote employees know the procedure when it comes to creating secure passwords. Each password should be at least 12 characters long and should use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. 

“Stop using the same password for everything. It’s hard to believe this is still an issue in 2023. You are making the hacker's job so much easier,” explains Shaun Hinklein, Head of SEO at Ramp, a company that offers a sophisticated line of business credit cards.

Employees need to know that passwords should never be reused. It can be helpful to use a password manager so they can consider more unique passwords without having to remember them all. 

5. Use a Two-Factor Authentication 

Two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security for password-protected devices and accounts. As cybercriminals become more advanced, a password alone is not enough to prevent an attack. These types of tools require users to verify their identity in a way that hackers cannot bypass. 

“Passwords aren’t enough to protect your data. In fact, they are the bare minimum. You need to employ several security methods if you want to secure your sensitive information,” explains Cody Candee, Founder and CEO of Bounce.

Identity management tools that use various authentication methods are ideal for companies that employ remote workers. That extra layer of protection can be the difference between a secure network and a major data breach. 

Navigating Cybersecurity With Remote Work

If you had any doubt that cybersecurity was a risk, you can put that to bed. Cybersecurity is something that every company should be aware of. If you are a remote worker, always follow your company's procedures for preventing cyber attacks.