5 Common Cybersecurity Risks for Remote Employees
Remote work is changing the way businesses operate. Companies can let workers complete tasks from the comfort of home. This helps businesses reduce their overhead costs and improve worker satisfaction, retention, and loyalty.
There is a lot to like about letting employees work remotely. However, companies must account for the cybersecurity of remote workers. Failure to do so can expose a business and its remote workers to cyber risks. It can even lead to a data breach that damages a company's brand reputation and revenues.
Now, let's look at five common cybersecurity risks for remote workers and ways to combat these issues.
1. Phishing Attacks
A cybercriminal can launch a phishing attack to steal business data from remote employees. During the attack, a cybercriminal uses a seemingly innocuous email to get a remote worker to click on a malicious link or download a malicious attachment. If the worker does, the hacker can install malware that compromises the end-user's system.
Teach employees about phishing attacks and other common email scams. To do so, you can use gamification and other training materials. You can also develop a training program to keep remote workers up to date on phishing scams and other evolving cyber threats.
2. Using Public Wi-Fi Networks
Remote employees may work at a coffee shop or other public venue. When they do, they can sign into a public Wi-Fi network. Yet, using public Wi-Fi can be dangerous.
Cybercriminals can compromise public Wi-Fi networks. If a remote worker accesses one of these networks, a hacker can do the same. In this instance, the hacker can access information stored on the employee's device.
Provide remote workers with a list of public Wi-Fi dos and don'ts. This list can help remote workers safely use public Wi-Fi networks.
Remote workers should avoid using personally identifiable information (PII) and a virtual private network (VPN) on public Wi-Fi networks. They should also turn off file sharing on their devices.
In addition, it may be beneficial to provide workers with unlimited data coverage for their mobile devices. This ensures workers can rely on their own data coverage rather than use public Wi-Fi networks.
3. Inadequate Password Protection
A company may let its remote workers use their personal devices for work. This can help a company save money since it won't have to supply remote employees with devices. On the other hand, remote workers must password-protect their devices to guard against data breaches.
Research indicates most smartphone users have not set up password security on their devices. If a device falls into the wrong hands, cybercriminals can access the user's data and use it however they choose.
Establish a password security policy for remote work devices. Require employees to set up strong passwords for any devices they use for work tasks. Passwords should contain a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Remote workers should also update their passwords regularly.
4. Infrequent Software Updates
Businesses can provide software to help their remote workers complete everyday tasks. The software enables remote employees to remain productive and efficient. But it can create security issues.
Cybercriminals frequently exploit software vulnerabilities. They look for software that has not been updated. If hackers identify a software vulnerability, they can use it to penetrate an end-user's system. This enables hackers to access the user's system without being noticed.
Require remote employees to update their work software. These workers can set up automatic downloads on their devices. That way, remote workers always have the latest software updates.
Businesses should keep an eye out for software vulnerabilities, too. Notify remote workers any time a software vulnerability is identified. Share any tips and recommendations to help workers remediate the vulnerability right away.
5. Sharing Unencrypted Files
It is common for remote workers to communicate and collaborate. These workers may share files throughout the work day. In these instances, employees may inadvertently make sensitive business data publicly available.
Unencrypted file sharing is a big problem for many businesses. To address the issue, a company must verify that its data is encrypted both when it's in storage and transit.
A business must consider both physical and virtual office security relative to file sharing. This enables a company to identify the best ways to keep its data secure, regardless of where it's stored. It also empowers a business with insights it can use to encrypt its data both in storage and in transit.
Protect Your Remote Employees Against Cybersecurity Risks
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting remote workers, and they show no signs of slowing down any time soon. With the right approach to cybersecurity, a business can take precautions to keep its remote workers safe now and in the future.
Get started with cybersecurity for remote workers today. Set up a virtual office that helps remote workers stay on track without compromising the security of business data. From here, a company can work in lockstep with its remote employees to optimize cybersecurity across its operations.
Categories
- Business Marketing
- Business Resources
- Customer Success Stories
- Customer Success Stories: Communications
- Customer Success Stories: Meeting Rooms
- Customer Success Stories: Virtual Office
- Entrepreneur Tools
- Management
- Meeting Rooms
- Virtual News
- Virtual Office
- Virtual Receptionist Services
- Workplace Culture
Subscribe to Our Blog
Archive
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- June 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- March 2015
- January 2015
- November 2014
- October 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- January 2014
- October 2013
- September 2013
- June 2013
- April 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- January 2010
Talk to an expert
Want to know more about our Virtual Offices? Give us a call
Get the Perfect Virtual Address Now
Find a Virtual OfficeServices
Virtual Offices Virtual Office Features What is a Virtual Office? Full Time Spaces Live Receptionist Live Receptionist Features Virtual Phone Number Live Web Chat Meeting Spaces Meeting Space Features Coworking Spaces Event Spaces Marketplace Incorporation Services Search Virtual Office Services Near MeInstant Group
- © 2024 Davinci virtual office