CIS Remote Working Readiness Survey

Why remote working poses a risk to cyber security? 

Remote working can pose a significant risk to the integrity of a businesses cyber security, this is typically due to various reasons, but the increase in online activities is a considerable factor here. For the sake of clarity and understanding, we have compiled some of the most notable cyber security risks which your business could be facing while your employees are remote working.

Online Risks

Online risks have always been notoriously lucrative for cyber criminals due to the complex nature of modern applications; many platforms and applications have or develop security flaws which are often exploited by malicious third parties. Online threats continually evolve as technology improves; one threat we have seen recently is ZOOM bombing. Due to the current situation with COVID – 19, the world has observed a significant uptake in video conferencing. Malicious third parties, unfortunately, know this, and Zoom quickly became their new target. In this case, bad actors will effectively hijack a private call and proceed to shout slurs and use the whiteboard feature to draw inappropriate drawings causing complete disruption to meetings.

Mobile Devices

Mobile devices are largely inseparable from their users due to the added flexibility of being able to use the device remotely. The consistent use, coupled with the frequent location change, can pose severe cyber security risks due to the network changes required to access the internet. Connecting to unsecured wireless public networks make it very easy for malicious third parties to send Malware through to your device, and from this point, they can steal your data at will. 

Mobile security

Mobile security is another IT security risk, as mobiles are prime targets for malicious attacks. Having an integrated approach to mobile or device security will help to guarantee that all bases are covered, which will, in turn, reduce your businesses IT security risks. Ensuring that employees have adequate mobile internet security is a must if the mobile device is being used for work purposes. When surfing the internet, users typically leave a digital footprint this is true for mobile internet users and PC users alike. Having and using security tools such as VPN’s and secure internet browsers can reduce the risk of your data falling into the wrong hands.

Phishing & Malware

As an example, Malicious third parties have used COVID-19 to dupe unsuspecting workers into divulging personal details which will be used at a later date to gain unauthorised access to private IT platforms and systems. From this point, cyber criminals will do what they please, which all too often has catastrophic consequences. 

What is cybersecurity? And how does it work?

In it’s simplest definition, cyber security is the defence and protection of various digital devices and data via multiple IT security functions. It’s these all-encompassing functions that work around the clock monitoring, managing, detecting and responding to malicious threats as and when they appear. The cyber security landscape is also board in terms of function; whether its network protection, email security, device security, cloud security or another one of the many other cyber security functions, cyber security works around around the clock to ensure you don’t become another statistic.

Can I keep your business secure with remote workers?

In short, yes, we absolutely can. Securing your remote workforce is a matter of assessing the individual needs of your business. Typically, these needs will vary from business to business; However, once we understand your IT security risks, we will advise you on the best course of action and implement a solution that works for you.

How to secure remote working?

Firstly, educating yourself or your team about your businesses security policies, BYOD policies and ensuring that they have some basic knowledge around how to spot cyber security risks, for example how to spot a phishing email. Teaching your employees cyber security tips and tricks may prevent a breach from occurring in the first place. For a more comprehensive look at how you can remote work securely, read our blog on the risks of remote working & how to protect yourself.

Why do remote workers pose a cyber security risk?

Remote workers pose a cyber security risk because there is reduced oversight on staff members IT activities by the organisation. For example, remote workers that use public wifi or poorly secured wifi networks can unwittingly be putting the integrity of sensitive business data at risk. When employees work from an office, for instance, employees will all connect to the same secured wifi networks.

Is remote work putting sensitive corporate data at risk?

Malicious third parties routinely try to gain access to sensitive corporate data as it’s often this data that’s used as leverage for blackmail. The added data security risks associated with having a remote workforce can increase the chance of sensitive corporate data falling into the wrong hands.

How can remote workers improve cyber security?

Remote workers can improve their cyber security through the identification of problem areas by conducting thorough adults and assessments, computer security risks should become apparent during such auditing. By doing so, you will understand the measures then needed to protect your business. By highlighting the problem areas before they are compromised will allow your business to safeguard itself from potential future threats, as long as appropriate action is taken to ensure that your business doesn’t become another news headline.