Remote working risks and how to avoid them

Remote working has many benefits, but many security risks, too.

COVID-19 lockdown has prompted companies across the globe to adopt more flexible working policies, rolling out new software and devices in a hurry to keep business running smoothly.

Security may not have been your initial priority in setting your team up to work from home - but ignoring the safety risks could be a huge mistake in the long-term.

Is your business safe from cyber security threats when your team is working from home?

Major security risks of remote working

• Phishing scams – moving to remote working involves clicking and accepting new applications, giving scammers an opportunity to slip through the net at a time of heightened activity
• Reputation damage - redundancies and furloughs can lead to ex-employees with a grudge, some of whom could still have access to company software or platforms, increasing the risk of damage to your reputation
• Cyber attacks - remote working usually happens online, which leaves you more vulnerable to cyber attacks. Without blacklisted IPs and company firewalls in place for home workers, employees’ security measures are weakened
• Hackers - home WiFi connections aren’t as secure as company networks and usually have weaker protocols, leaving the door open for hackers to infiltrate your network.

Tips for secure remote working

Luckily, there are plenty of steps you can take to avoid the cyber threats remote working causes your business, keeping your assets and data safe from attack.

Have a cyber hygiene policy

A cyber hygiene policy lets your employees know what’s expected of them and how they can help protect your business through safe remote working.

Good cyber hygiene includes strong passwords, knowing how to spot malicious activity, automatic device locking, separate work and personal computers and mobiles and offering general advice for keeping devices safe.

Keep programmes and software up to date

We’re all guilty of clicking “remind me tomorrow” one too many times when prompted to update applications and systems. However, laziness can lead to vulnerability, as hackers find ways to penetrate older programmes. Updating programmes, applications and operating systems keeps cyber attacks at bay.

Use multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication verifies a user’s identity using two or more pieces of information. Adding this extra layer of security instantly reduces the threat to sensitive business information and systems. 

Practise web filtering

Web filters screen web pages to decide how much information to show a user, based on rules set by a company. These filters protect businesses from a multitude of cyber threats by stopping potentially dangerous content from being viewed.

How Express IT can help

Setting your team up for secure remote working may seem like a headache, but ignoring the risks could cause a much bigger headache in future.  

We understand how busy everyone is trying to stay afloat right now, so we’re here to make cyber security simple.

Express IT’s Complete 360 support package covers everything you need for safe and secure remote working. Our cyber security specialists will help you develop a robust remote working infrastructure, train and support your team to adopt good cyber hygiene habits and deliver all the tools you need to communicate and work safely from home.

Leave it all to us, and you’ll be free to focus on what you do best during these turbulent times, safe in the knowledge your business is protected from the cyber threats of remote working.

For more information, or to book a free cyber security audit, give us a call on 01942 604 222 or email hello@express-its.com