Not every industry is tech-savvy, most of the organizations don’t bother implementing a security strategy for their remote workforce even when most of us are working from home and have access to almost every digital asset that is in the cloud.
The pattern only changes when you come across cyberattack news or if the threat occurs to an organization that you know and the worst case; when a cyberattack hits your organization.Â
The logical question here is, how to implement and maintain security when employees work remotely and your team is transitioning to a remote workforce?
As remote work is turning into a predominant trend in business and considering the recent COVID-19 outbreak, there could be no better time for employees and companies to make the most in securing remote work.
Check how to instruct employees and management of businesses, be it small or large organization:
Traditional methods in securing digital assets do not cope up with the current IT architecture, instead opting for VPN alternatives solutions would help organizations to stay ahead of the competition is not only securing digital assets but also focusing more on their growth.Â
Each security measure, if considered separately, won’t ensure secure remote work, however, when utilized with multiple measures, it creates a better impact on your cybersecurity.
Create a Policy for Remote Workers with context to Cybersecurity
When remote work is the new trend, organizations must have a clear cybersecurity policy in place so that every employee’s access to the company’s digital data is secure. Without a cybersecurity strategy, any employee can undoubtedly turn as an entry-point for a hacker to hijack an organization’s network.
To keep this from occurring, create a cybersecurity strategy specifying rules that comply with security conventions at home or travel. The policies may include the expected use of approved applications with encryption (for example WhatsApp or Signal); keep devices and applications updated.
Secure Company-Owned & BYO Devices
Businesses that provide company-owned devices is the best way to secure remote work because the IT department can pre-configure all the settings that keep the device secure; when employees are allowed to work using their personal devices, the IT department should ensure that they have a security solution to configure and provide secure access to their assets stored in the cloud.
Implementing Remote Access Software
Telecommuting has its own advantages and disadvantages, the major disadvantage is “security.” Providing secure access to remote workers with the help of Zero Trust Solution is what most organizations look for, as this technology follows the “Never Trust, Always Verify” protocol; it fits perfectly for organizations who provide company-owned or even allow BYO devices to work.
Direct Application Access/Identity-based access
Direct access to work applications reduces the risk while remote working, as this provides access to only allowed apps/tools and digital assets; the risk of cyber threats is low. This method reduces the risk of exposing the company’s internal network to cyber predation.
Direct application access limits the vulnerability of bad actors, it tightens work to the limits of one application. Implement Multi-factor Authentication
Most of the data breaches happen because of illegally obtained credentials, secure access with MFA is a significant method to remote work security.
Educate employees on cybersecurity:
More than external threats, internal threats represent a large share of the danger facing a company’s network security. Businesses can alleviate the risk of insider threats by developing a security culture by preparing employees on cybersecurity best practices that include:
- Physical Security of devices.
- Safe internet protocols.
- Avoid Phishing Attacks.
Conclusion
In a globally decentralized business landscape, cyberattackers would continuously present a risk to business digital assets. Rather than taking effective steps after a breach that can hamper the reputation of the business and their ROI, businesses can secure their digital assets using advanced yet easy to implement Zero Trust Network Access Solution.
