Many businesses in Kent now have remote workers. This offers flexibility. But it also creates new security challenges. Are your employees truly safe from cyber threats when they work from home?
Remote work changes your business’s security. Your data moves outside the office. This means more entry points for cyber criminals. You need specific steps to protect your companies data and your team.
Secure Connections Are Key
Remote employees often use their home Wi-Fi. These networks may not be secure. Public Wi-Fi is even riskier. To help protect your employees they should either use a VPN as well as securing their home Wi-Fi.
- Use a VPN. A Virtual Private Network encrypts your internet connection. It creates a secure tunnel for company data. Your team should use a VPN whenever they work remotely.
- Secure home Wi-Fi. Advise employees to change default router passwords. They should use strong, unique passwords for their home Wi-Fi. This simple step stops many attacks.
Devices Need Protection
Remote workers use laptops, phones, and tablets. These devices hold your business data. They need strong security, such as Anti Virus, Anti Malware, Software updates and strong complex passwords just to name a few.
- Keep software updated. All devices need regular updates. Updates fix security holes. Enable automatic updates for operating systems and all apps.
- Install security software. Every work device needs antivirus and anti-malware programs. This protects against harmful software.
- Lock devices. Employees should lock their screens when they step away. Use strong passwords or biometrics for device access.
- Avoid personal use. Encourage employees to keep work and personal data separate. Using personal apps on work devices creates risk.
Train Your Team, They Are A Human Firewall.
Your employees are your first line of defence. This is true for remote teams too. Lack of awareness is a big risk. Train your staff to spot, phishing attacks, securing accounts and other ways to defend their data with our Cybersecurity services for Kent businesses.
- Spot phishing. Teach your team how to recognize phishing emails and scams. Phishing is a top threat to remote workers.
- Strong passwords. Emphasize unique, complex passwords for all work accounts. Consider a password manager for ease and security.
- Use MFA. Multi-Factor Authentication adds a layer of security. It asks for more than just a password to log in. This protects accounts even if passwords are stolen.
We discussed general employee training in a previous post: Learn 3 simple steps to protecting your Kent business. The principles apply even more to remote work.
Plan for Incidents
Even with good defences, an attack can happen. Have a plan and test it regularly.
- Know what to do. Teach employees how to report a suspected security problem. Who do they contact? What steps should they take?
- Back up data. Ensure all remote work data is backed up. Test these backups regularly. If data is lost, you can recover it.
Protect Your Business, Anywhere
Remote work offers many benefits. But you must protect your business from new threats. Take these practical steps. Secure and protect your business and employees, wherever they work.