As with many other areas of daily life, the coronavirus pandemic has turned most of the workforce remote. Along with the multitude of changes businesses have undergone, employees affected must juggle their workload along with household maintenance, and the newest culprit – cybersecurity threats. This new threat is enhanced by the use of at-home devices not protected by a company’s network and left up to the user’s discretion. Many remote workers are blissfully unaware of these hidden threats, so it is up to the employer to educate their workforce in order to maintain efficiency. Below are some tips for improving at-home defenses against cybersecurity threats.
Choosing an Environment – and Securing against Cybersecurity Threats
Since relocating to their home offices or living rooms, many remote workers are realizing their internet connections leave much to be desired. Therefore, many have moved to public settings such as coffee shops or libraries to complete their work. However, both public Wi-Fi and insecure home connections are at major risk for cybersecurity threats.
One way to prevent these insecure networks and public connections from being breached is through the installation of a Virtual Private Network or VPN. These networks are as the name suggests, and are much more secure than easily compromised home networks or a coffee shop’s Wi-Fi.
The Sky is the Limit
While VPNs are a viable option for a company’s defense against cyber threats, the has also proven to be useful during remote work. Cloud-based work was already increasing pre-pandemic, and is expected to rise if remote work continues.
What are some benefits of the cloud? Most are only aware of the cloud when it comes to downloading contacts and photos when buying a new phone. However, using the cloud allows companies to provide programs and software to their employees that they normally would only have access to at the office. This exclusive access allows for companies to have more of a grip on the cybersecurity of their employees, while working remotely. The cloud requires a higher level of security to utilize.
Guarding the Information You Already Have
The upgraded workforce requires a complete overhaul of all systems. The usual method of logging into a system with a password is a thing of the past. Many systems now require multiple forms of identification, such as a fingerprint. The Wall Street Journal noted that 90 percent of Microsoft’s employees don’t use passwords.
Requiring multiple forms of identification is a highly effective way of protecting your employees from cybersecurity threats. Another way to keep employees safe is by installing multiple tools. You can keep it simple with malware scanners and firewalls, or more complex like a simulation software which constantly tests for threats.
The Security of Remote Work
As remote workforces appear to be a permanent fixture of corporate life, so do the threats to cybersecurity, especially to vulnerable workers at home. It is your responsibility to keep your workers and your company’s information safe from malware, so turn to TCI Technologies for all your cybersecurity needs and concerns as we move to a remote environment.
{{cta(‘dbf789fc-9095-4a8e-9635-ad2d93979a95′,’justifycenter’)}}