After Covid pandemic, there is a huge change in the way the organization and individuals work. A large section of the workforce across the globe has shifted to remote working. Many companies want their employees to continue to work from remote locations as it is beneficial for the employers and the employees. The companies can reduce the cost, and the employees can save time. Remote working is becoming the new normal, and organizations offer this option to as many employees as possible. However, protecting remote workers from cyber-attacks is a challenge. Some companies are more prone to cyber-attacks as they do not have a robust cyber security system. If your employees are working from a remote location, how will you ensure cyber security? Here are a few tips to help you protect your remote workforce from cybercriminals.
close up programmer man hand typing on keyboard laptop for register data system or access password and writing configuration for protection with virtual interface of cyber security at operation room , concept
Essential Tips for Protecting Remote Workers
Say No to Public Wi-Fi
Using public Wi-Fi by your remote workers can be very risky. It will expose your organization to a serious cyber-attack. Cyber criminals are always on the lookout to find new victims. They can easily attack a computer connected to public Wi-Fi as there is no firewall or protection. The attack can be in any form like eavesdropping, theft of personal information, a Man-in-the-middle attack, or a malware installation. It puts your company at risk; the criminals can access client information and other critical data. That is why you must ensure your employees must not use public Wi-Fi networks.
Anti-Virus is a Must for Personal Devices
Most people do not use anti-virus software on their devices. Using such computers for work can put your company at risk of cyber-attack. It exposes your company’s internal network, web applications, and critical information to criminals. Using an anti-virus can remove those threats and help in protecting remote workers. It not only protects the data stored on the computer, but also provides protection against hackers, malware, spyware, and other cyber risks.
Get an SSL Certificate
If you are running an organization, you must ensure all your web applications are secure, and data entered in them is encrypted. An SSL certificate helps you encrypt data entered from your employee’s computer, and no third party can access it. If you are going to buy SSL certificate then, you can go with few well known SSL certs like Comodo SSL certificate, Thawte Wildcard SSL certificate, RapidSSL certificate, which provide the best encryption of data and keeps the hackers at bay. Wildcard SSL helps you protect multiple subdomains with a single SSL certificate, reduces the management time of different subdomains, and decreases the cost.
Train Your Employees
Cybercriminals always look for vulnerable points to attack, and they are after the people who are working from home. Because of assorted reasons, remote workers are more prone to cyber-attacks. Cyber Security training plays a critical role in protecting remote workers. You must set up a clear cyber security policy for all your employees. Everyone must be aware of the basic rules and comply with them. They must refrain from accessing the websites and apps that may put the security of your organization at stake.
Using Virtual Private Networks
A virtual private network (VPN) is one of the best ways of protecting remote workers. It provides a secure connection to your company’s network over the Internet. It also encrypts the connection everywhere. So, it does not matter whether your employee is working from home or any other location; a VPN always protects critical data transferred over the Internet. It also prevents any outsiders from accessing the company’s tools.
Ask Your Workers to Use Strong Passwords
Your employees will use a lot of web applications when they work remotely. If they use weak passwords, it will be easy for criminals to access those applications. A password with only a few letters or numbers in a sequence is considered vulnerable, and hackers can easily crack them. You must ensure they use complicated passwords. A combination of upper and lower case alphabets, numerals, special characters make a strong password. It also should not include the name of a person or place.
Access Control
Controlling access to critical applications is another security hack for protecting remote workers. Providing the correct authorization level can prevent cyber-attacks and misuse of data and tools. All the employees must not have access to the tools that store client information, financial details, and other crucial data. It will restrict access to critical data by everyone and reduce the security risks. In short, every employee should have that much access to your tools, which is required to do their work.
Backup Critical Data
Your employees may have to work with the critical data of the company. In any case, if hackers get access to their system, they will steal the data or make it inaccessible to you. If you lose critical files and data, it may cost you dearly. You may not be able to retrieve them once they are lost. So, backing up valuable information is crucial for your business. You should back up the data frequently and store them in various locations. Cloud service is an effective way to backup data and retrieve it.
Always Have a Plan for Crisis Situation
Another critical part of Protecting Remote Workers is to prepare for a crisis. You may take all the necessary steps to protect your data, yet there are chances of a security breach. That is why if any of your employees face a cyber-attack, you should have a crisis management system to deal with that. It will prevent a major attack on your system. A cyber security provider can help you create a plan beforehand to deal with this situation.
Conclusion
Remote working is a reality now, and many employees prefer this option now. With the advent of advanced technology, it is easier to work from a remote location. However, cyber security is a matter of concern now, and protecting remote workers is a challenge. Cyber criminals are finding new ways to hack vulnerable computers and networks. Educating your employees is essential to avert cyber threats. Moreover, you should also consult a cyber security professional and create a plan to mitigate the risks.
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