Since the onset of COVID-19, telecommuting has become a widely adopted work model. Most organizations have since gone fully virtual or are at least using some form of hybrid environment. If your team is working remotely, make sure you have proper IT security to keep your virtual employees secure.
IT Security for Remote Workers
There are plenty of reasons why an organization should implement the work from home model. From eliminating employee commute times to reducing the use of company resources, remote work benefits both the employee and the business. Before jumping on the work from home bandwagon, however, consider endpoint protection solutions.
When your staff does their job in areas outside of the office, they require remote access to office systems. This remote access introduces new vulnerabilities your IT infrastructure may not be prepared for. For example, if an employee logs on to your network through a public Wi-Fi connection, a cybercriminal could view your employee’s activity. To avoid data leaks and cyberattacks, you need to do something about remote access threats.
If you want to know how to maintain security when employees work remotely, here are a few things you can do to boost IT security for remote workers:
Perform a Risk Assessment
IT security for remote workers should start with a comprehensive cybersecurity risk assessment. These audits are used to identify vulnerabilities in your systems. These weaknesses could range from unencrypted private information to security gaps in your firewall. By highlighting the security gaps in your infrastructure, you have an opportunity to fix them before a hacker exploits them.
Get a Network Monitoring Service
Cyberattacks often start with some suspicious activity. If you can spot the trouble in your network early enough, you can root out the problem before it has time to launch a full scale attack. Cybersecurity monitoring services offered by a managed security service provider (MSSP) keep an eye on your systems at all times. If anything malicious is detected, your MSSP is alerted immediately, allowing them to neutralize the threat.
Train Your Staff on Cybersecurity Best Practices
The biggest vulnerability any company has is their employees. They are your last line of defense, but one mistake can compromise your network. Fortunately, you can turn this vulnerability into a strength through the proper training. Teach your workforce about the threats endangering your IT, how they can avoid them, and what to do if they are attacked. The more they know, the less likely they are to fall for a cybersecurity attack.
Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi
If you have the freedom to work anywhere there’s an internet connection, then why stay at home? Many remote employees take advantage of this benefit by taking their laptops to the library or coffee shop. However, your workforce should avoid using public Wi-Fi if possible. It’s very easy for a cybercriminal to view people’s online activity through public networks.
If there’s no other option, the employee should be using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN is a private network that encrypts your connection, allowing you to send and receive data privately and anonymously. With a VPN, it’s a lot harder for hackers to gain access to sensitive data.
Get the Best in IT Security for Remote Workers
BL King is an industry-leading MSP that specializes in cybersecurity solutions. We offer a wide selection of services to fight off any cyberthreat threatening your remote employees’ devices. Since every business is unique, we customize our services to fit your needs.
Contact us today to learn more.
