A lot of companies at this point work with dispersed workers and little or no office space, and with the worldwide health crisis forcing even more organizations, if just temporarily, to work mostly online, it is more significant than ever to implement cybersecurity measures for workers working remotely from a home office. Cyber attacks are rampant today as cybercriminals have the edge as well as are very motivated. Organized hackers and individuals benefit from the sloppy security measures too many people and organizations employ, leaving million dollars and personal details ripe for the picking.
Despite considerable cybersecurity exposures, about 85% of business owners think their enterprise is safe and sound from cybercriminals, data breaches, malware, or viruses. This disconnect is because of the prevalent, albeit mistaken, idea that these numbers of small commerce are not likely targets for attack. In fact, cybercriminals are just searching for the way of the smallest amount of resistance. A study conducted by Symantec discovered that 40% of online attacks are directed to an organization with less than 500 workers or employees.
Keep in mind, though, that there are other ways your business can be attacked aside from outside sources. Often medium-size organizations with a family-like atmosphere and too much confidence and trust in their workers are invested. This can result in complacency and contentment; that is precisely what a disgruntled or currently kicked-off employee has to do to attack a business.
Cyber Attacks Can Destroy Business Integrity
As big organizations continue to get serious concerning data security, these small companies are increasingly becoming smart targets, resulting in an often devastating situation for small company owners.
Kaspersky Lab’s research shows the average yearly cost of cyber scams to small and mid-sized companies was more than $200,000 in 2014. Many small businesses have limited resources lying around; thus, almost 60% of the small companies fall victim to a cyber-attack close permanently in six months. A lot of these businesses put off making essential enhancements to cybersecurity protocols long before it becomes too large of a problem, as they dreaded the expenses would be excessive.
How to Limit Cyber Attacks: Here the Ways
Even when you do not have the money or resources today to bring in an outside professional to test your systems and make recommendations about security, there are some simple and economical steps you can follow to limit the risk of falling prey to an expensive cyber attack if work at home or remotely.
Use a VPN
Since you are now likely to work at home or outside the company’s premises, you should ensure that your connection is safe. Using a cloud vpn protects your device’s traffic to corporate assets. Your company most likely offers such a service, so if you do not have this, it ensures you get it.
Unique Passwords
A lot of companies have users’ password policies that give tips for stronger passwords. The common mistake is underrating the local admin PC password. Usually, they utilize a similar password as the one used on servers. This makes things easier for cybercriminals to breach into the whole system and utilize the information for their bad intentions.
Use Company’s Devices for Tasks Related to Work
Usually, your work laptop or any devices are equipped with additional security solutions as well as integrated protection, which quality is assured by the IT department. This way, your IT department can make sure that the device is secured against the most typical cyber threats.
Use Company’s Approved Cloud Services
Cloud services are a remarkable means of sharing vital documents, doing online meetings as well as virtual collaboration. Always bear in mind that such a service’s security level is different based on the service they offer. So, ensure to identify the right provider even if it is a very challenging job. The right cloud service provider can provide much more than just space, power, safety, and flawless integration with an existing cloud environment. It is vital for companies to clearly and proactively define the technical and requirements of the business they are trying to meet, then assess potential service providers based on their capability to assist obtain those objectives.
Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information through Email
Ensure you do not get enticed to send out sensitive information through email if you’re working from home. This isn’t smart as emails aren’t encrypted but conveyed in exact form. It’s easy to lose track of email and utilize lots of time searching for the information. Sending an email to the wrong receiver is a crime many of us are guilty of now and then.
Allocate Sufficient IT Resources to Help Your Remote Workforce
If your workers are working from home, you will have to make sure that adequate IT resources are on hand to secure access to the company’s network and online tools. You might also need to take steps to boost network bandwidth, data storage capabilities, IT support, and computing power.
Tighten Existing Security System
The software and the system your company uses provide guidelines for making the most of the security controls you must follow. Some areas are easy such as turning off not required services or utilizing the lowest privileges settings.
Consider Patches
It takes a tiny hole in the system for cybercriminals to poke their way in. It is important to run regular scans of the security system and software to keep them modernized and updated with patches.
Keep Outbound Data Safe and Sound
Just as you keep your system safe and sound from incoming bots and malware with a firewall, you have to ensure specific data never leaves your network. Make sure to concentrate on egress filtering, keep away from reprobate workers as they may release malicious software or sensitive information from your business.
Raise Awareness
Each one in the company needs to be alert and savvy about security issues. This means monitoring for phishing scams sent in messaging apps and email, which seem genuine but attempt to get sensitive data or credentials or even release malware into your system. If providing employees with remote access to enterprise networks is critical, giving them basic security knowledge is not less important.
Author Bio:
Liraz Postan was an actress and a professional singer. She studied 3 years of dramatic arts and the theater was her true love. At some point, she felt it’s not enough. She needed a second passion and came across a high-tech company that was seeking young enthusiasts like her. Her professional career started at 888.com 13 years ago. Liraz fell in love with SEO and content and felt this is my call in this world. For the last 10 years, Liraz has been leading SEO strategy with various companies: Outbrain, Plarium, Perion, and more.
Liraz is a guest blogger. All opinions are her own.
