Cyber security remote working guide

remote working cyber security

Remote working is a standard practice amongst businesses today. The accelerated transition to hybrid working during the pandemic has led to a greater reliance on digital services. However, it has also incentivised organised crime groups towards cyber crimes.

The latest crime survey estimating that cyber crimes have increased significantly between 2019 and 2021 during COVID because of remote working.

Now is a good time to check that your long-term cyber security arrangements are up to scratch for remote working. This means:

• Employees working from home should understand the steps they should take to keep their business' data secure (processes).

• Business owners should have certain measures in place to keep their business systems secure (controls).

Download our ultimate cyber security remote working guide to understand if your cyber security is fit for purpose.

Work from home here to stay

If you are unsure what remote working cyber security controls look like or you have had to relax your security to ensure employees can work remotely, then our downloadable guide can help:

Identify your remote working
cyber security threats

⬇️

Address any security
vulnerabilities

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Get peace of mind that your
data is secure

Do you have cyber security controls for remote working?

The guide explores five areas of cyber security for remote working:

1. Security awareness access, report and repeat

2. Security awareness training

3. Safety in the cloud

4. Real dark web threats

5. Access management & two-factor authentication

I would recommend reevaluating what you currently do against best practice. Take a look at our 9 point guide to managing remote working risks.

Perfect time to re-evaluate your cyber security

Twelve months ago, businesses excelled in rapidly setting up remote working arrangements. However, long-term cyber security considerations weren't necessarily made while ramping up remote working. Now is the perfect time to re-evaluate your cyber security policy and controls.

Many of these considerations do not need huge amounts of investment, it's just as much about instilling a good cyber security culture into your business.

remote working cyber security tips

Here are seven considerations when evaluating your security policies and technology solutions:

Dedicated work devices; laptop or phone

Do you provide employees with equipment or do they use their own? Ideally employers should provide dedicated work devices – this enables you to take control of the device; what is installed and how it is set up. It can then allow you to remove access to your IT infrastructure if it is stolen or the employee hands in their notice. Employees using their own devices for work has its own set of security guidelines.

Passwords

Do your employees use passwords more than once? Do you use two-factor authentication as an extra barrier?

Are employees aware of WFH security precautions?

Do your employees allow family members to use work devices? They shouldn’t! You may need to update your security policy or provide your staff with training on remote working cyber security and best practise.

Secure video-calling

Do you activate passwords when arranging and holding meetings?

VPN

Are your employees using a VPN while remote working? Have you checked?

Could your team members fall for a scam?

Imagine an email posing to be from your business’ HR asking to confirm sensitive data. Would your team respond or click on a spam link? You may have to wait 200+ days to find out that your IT infrastructure has been compromised – the average time it takes to spot a cyber-attack. Your team may need training to approach all emails and invites with precaution.

Cloud solutions

Have you found safe cloud computing solutions for a long-term and secure solution? Cloud servers, cloud telephone systems and monthly SaaS subscriptions - there are many technology solutions available that enable collaborative and secure working.

Benefits of remote working

Employers and employees are seeking a long-term flexible home-office arrangement. Both employees and employers have found benefits from working from home, namely:

• Increased productivity

  Many report to be more focussed and less distracted at home.
  
  

• Efficient meetings

  Also, consider an offsite meeting. Time is saved in the journey to and from. The meeting itself online tends to be more focussed and productive.
  
  

• Better for the environment

  Less travel inevitably means less fossil fuels being burned.
  
  

• Reduced office rates

  If you can reduce your office space with more people home working, you can reduce expenditure and associated rates that come along with it.
  
  

• Better work/life balance

  With the majority of workforces not having to commute, it means that time can be spent with children and family instead. It's difficult to get the right balance

   

Download: Cyber Security Remote Working

With remote working here to stay, make sure you have the right long-term cyber security in place. Download our guide for an easy five step approach to remote working cyber security.