April 12, 2022
Remote working became popular in pandemic times as it was the only way for organisations to survive. But the success of the model was unprecedented, and many companies continue to run it in the new normal. The flexibility and cost savings of the model are commendable, which is why it is here to stay. But you cannot overlook the threats and vulnerabilities that are inherent elements of the remote working environment.
The primary concern is the employees accessing corporate resources from remote locations using personal devices. The risk of exposure to viruses or malware runs high for devices. Using public internet connections is even worse as they give hackers a chance to steal sensitive files and data and get into the company network. As a business owner, you must implement the necessary safeguards to secure remote access. Here are the security measures you can rely on.
Perhaps, the most crucial aspect of securing remote access is to define and implement cybersecurity policies for your team members. Typically, these include using strong passwords, updating antivirus software, and steering clear of suspicious emails and links. Your IT team should do its bit by encrypting files and data, patching the security schedule, and wiping devices if lost or stolen. These measures go a long way to facilitate secure data access.
You may have dozens or hundreds of remote resources, but not everyone requires every file and document in your systems. Limiting access to only the necessary resources cuts the risk to your system. Check the needs of employees, and list the legitimate ones to understand the files and applications they require. Steer clear of allowing access to the entire network to curb individual risks and the overall threat to your business.
Another viable step to secure remote access for your business is to opt for enterprise-grade software you can trust for maximum network security. Solutions like Remotetopc enable you to launch remote sessions from your private Command Center. You can go the extra mile with software that ensures compliance with industry-specific privacy regulations such as PCI-DSS, GDPR, and HIPAA..
Network traffic is another risk factor for the remote environment, so you must implement a system to continuously monitor it. Following it up can help uncover threats and anomalous behaviour. You can even have an auto-remediation mechanism in place to instantly isolate or terminate the connection if a threat exists. With this measure, you can prevent external threats to your network.
Remote work is here to stay, and most organisations expect at least a part of their workforce to operate from out of the office. Training them to create cybersecurity awareness is the need of the hour. The objective is to enable employees to foresee threats and avert them with apt measures. They must also report the risks to the company's security team to ensure preventive and protective steps.
Running a remote team takes more than trust, as you need to do your bit to empower them with secure remote system access. It enables employees to work confidently and give their best because they need not stress about security issues.
The author is a content strategist with Outreach Monks. Besides his expertise in digital marketing, he has a flair for tech writing. He is also an avid reader, traveller, and culinary enthusiast.
