Remote work is here to stay, with nearly a quarter of the U.S. workforce (22%) expected to be working remotely by 2025. In fact, 42% of office employees have stated they would accept a 10% salary cut in exchange for the flexibility to work remotely. While this type of working environment has become the norm for many, it also increases the risk of cybersecurity threats.
If you’re looking to enhance remote work security for yourself and your employees, or if you’re curious about the latest threats, keep reading to learn how to protect your business.
The Evolving Threat Landscape
Cybersecurity measures have greatly evolved in just the last few years but unfortunately, so have hackers’ methods and techniques. Social engineering, for example, is a newer tactic used by criminals to manipulate people into revealing sensitive information.
Malware, phishing and ransomware attacks are not only on the rise but also becoming increasingly complex. Spear phishing targets individuals with highly tailored and convincing messages, often appearing to be from colleagues or trusted sources.
Hackers are also executing supply chain attacks and business email compromise scams. In 2024 alone, some of the largest data breaches have included well-known entities such as AT&T, Ticketmaster, Dell and Bank of America.
12 Ways to Protect Your Business
With so many new and evolving cyberattack strategies, taking the right precautions is more important than ever. Here are 12 important ways to enhance your cybersecurity and safeguard your business during remote operations.
- Create strong, unique passwords: It’s a tip that you’ve probably heard for years, but it continues to hold true. Microsoft recommends creating a password that’s at least 12 characters and a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Google suggests using a song or poem lyric, a series of words that’s meaningful to you or an abbreviation only you know. Don’t use your birthday or phone number.
- Connect via a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN conceals your network’s IP address and creates a private, encrypted connection.
- Enable multi-factor authentication: Multi-factor authentication requires you to provide at least two pieces of information in order to gain access to a particular account or application. This could be a code sent to your email or cell phone, a secret question or a password.
- Install antivirus software: If your work computer isn’t equipped with antivirus software, ask your IT department if your company has a subscription or recommends a particular brand. Antivirus software can detect, block and remove viruses and warn you about dangerous websites and links.
- Keep software updated: Software is only as good as its updates. Make sure all devices and software are in line with the latest security patches.
- Use secure Wi-Fi connections. Remote work doesn’t necessarily mean working from home. You may enjoy working at a coffee shop, library or co-working space, but regardless of your environment, make sure you use secure, password-protected Wi-Fi networks and avoid using public internet connections.
- Avoid using personal devices for work: Stick to work-approved devices such as laptops, computers and cell phones for business-related tasks. If you do need to use a personal device for work, make sure you follow your company’s security policies, such as using secure connections, installing approved security software and protecting sensitive data.
- Back up data on a regular basis: Encrypt and back up all important business data to a secure, off-site location. Additionally, consider implementing an email archiving solution to digitally store emails and attachments within a secure, centralized location for long-term retention.
- Deploy a “zero trust” policy: More and more businesses are implementing a “zero trust” framework, which treats everyone as a potential threat until verified.
- Control who can access sensitive information: Only employees with a specific need for sensitive information should be granted access.
- Report any suspicious incidents immediately: Do not click on links or open emails that seem suspicious. Report these incidents to your IT department right away so they can warn others.
- Participate in security training: Ensure that your company provides regular cybersecurity awareness training. If your IT department lacks the capacity for this, consider utilizing online resources or hiring a cybersecurity training company to implement a comprehensive education program.
Whether you’ve been working remotely for years or are just starting a new work-from-home role, these tips and strategies will help protect you and your business, ensuring your cybersecurity remains strong and resilient against potential threats.
About the Author
Michelle Moore is a academic director and professor for the University of San Diego’s Innovative Online Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership Program. She is also a researcher and author with over two decades of private-sector and government experience as a cybersecurity expert.
Michelle can be reached online at [email protected] and at our company website https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/
