Ensure Safe Remote Work with These Six Essential Practices

As COVID-19 cases increase in the U.S., business owners and IT teams are scrambling to set up remote work options for their employees. Just like travel restrictions keep planes on the ground, the novel coronavirus is keeping many American workers at home.

Working from home lets employees stay safe and isolated without risking the spread of the virus at work. However, it’s important to be aware of the cybersecurity risks that come with telecommuting. Cybercriminals quickly exploit current events and related weaknesses. They’re likely taking advantage of the security gaps present in home networks as more people work remotely.

While your office likely has measures to protect against these cybersecurity threats, home networks usually don’t offer the same protections. This situation puts any company equipment, software, or data accessed from home in jeopardy. It’s vital to protect your company’s information and ensure everyone stays vigilant as they adjust to this temporary normal.

Decide whether employees will use personal computers or if the company will provide hardware for home use. Company-owned and monitored devices are more secure because your IT team can manage their configurations.

For companies that need an immediate remote work setup, supplying every employee with a laptop might not be feasible. If employees use personal computers, it’s crucial to understand the risks. Make sure all devices and systems are current with updates and employ enterprise-level anti-malware and antivirus protection.

You need to determine the best network access option for your business that balances security and accessibility. Don’t overlook important tools like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and encryption. MFA makes sure employees accessing company accounts are verified through a code sent via email, text, or an authenticated mobile device. Encryption ensures any intercepted data remains secure. Manually configure remote machines to cover any security gaps.

Personal computers usually have more apps than office computers, and some of these apps aren’t essential for work. They might pose a security threat. Mobile apps and browser extensions can carry tracking codes or malware, endangering your network. Every program used at home should be deemed safe by your IT security team.

Many employees already use personal mobile devices for work tasks like email. If these devices are an option for full remote work, make sure to use MFA for sensitive data and accounts. Consider mobile device management (MDM) to secure devices in case they’re lost or stolen. MDM lets you locate, lock, or erase data from the device remotely if it’s compromised.

Just like social distancing and good hygiene practices help prevent the spread of COVID-19, cybersecurity awareness is essential. The key to setting up remote work is educating employees about cyber risks like phishing, pharming, and ransomware. This knowledge can help protect both company and personal networks during and after this crisis.