Guide for Remote Workers Security in 2024

There has been a notable change in employee attitude regarding work-life balance since the pandemic. What was once considered a perk has now become standard practice for many, with a large portion of the workforce favoring remote work. With tools like cloud collaboration, video conferencing, and project management software, you can work from anywhere without missing a beat. 

While most employees see it as a convenient way of working, CISO’s and cyber security experts see it as a gateway for cybercriminals to carry out their malicious activities. This blog offers essential insights and practical tips to ensure remote workers stay secure in an increasingly digital world.

What is Remote Work Security?

Approximately 22 million employed adults aged 18 and above in the United States engage in full-time remote work and this raises concerns regarding remote work security. Remote work security is all about keeping your work and data safe while working from anywhere. It involves protecting sensitive information from cyber threats like hacking, phishing, and malware attacks. 

This means setting up secure connections, using strong passwords, and being cautious about what you share online. It's also about staying updated on the latest security practices and being vigilant against potential risks. 

Traditional remote work security focused on VPNs and network perimeters. Now, with a hybrid workforce, advanced cybersecurity practices are essential. Here are the three main pillars of remote and hybrid work security:

• Secure access to SaaS apps for both work and personal use in remote environments
• Defense against threats from general web access, like personal email or cloud storage
• Application management of corporate software across on-premise and cloud platforms using zero trust network access (ZTNA)

Remote Work Cybersecurity Key Insights

• iPhone users (17%) face a higher risk of hacking compared to Android users (12%) among remote workers.
• Co-working spaces (18%) are identified as the top vulnerable spots for data theft.
• 21% of remote workers who operate from foreign countries experienced theft of work-related information.
• Cyberattacks on remote workers lead to costs exceeding $10,000 for almost 25% of companies.

What are the Key Cyber Security Risks of Working Remotely? 

Here are the top 5 cybersecurity risks of working remotely:

• Phishing Attacks: Hackers often use phishing emails or messages to trick remote workers into revealing sensitive information like login credentials or financial data.
• Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks: Public Wi-Fi networks in cafes, airports, or hotels can be easily compromised, exposing remote workers to potential data breaches or unauthorized access.
• Malware and Ransomware: Without the protection of corporate firewalls and antivirus software, remote devices are more vulnerable to malware and ransomware attacks, which can result in data loss or financial extortion.
• Endpoint Security: Remote devices like laptops or smartphones may lack adequate security measures, making them easy targets for cyberattacks that exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems or applications.
• Data Leakage: Remote work increases the risk of unintentional data leakage through insecure file sharing, unauthorized access to cloud storage, or improper handling of sensitive information. This leads to compliance violations or reputational damage for organizations.
  
  

How to Maintain Security When Employees Work Remotely?

1. Implement Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Utilize ZTNA principles to verify every user and device trying to access company resources, regardless of their location, ensuring secure connections and reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

2. Provide Secure Remote Access: Equip employees with secure remote access tools like virtual private networks (VPNs) or secure access service edge (SASE) solutions to encrypt data transmitted over public networks and protect against interception.

3. Enforce Strong Authentication: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security beyond passwords, requiring additional verification steps like biometrics or one-time codes to ensure only authorized users gain access.

4. Regularly Update Software and Devices: Maintain regular updates for software, operating systems, and devices to patch known vulnerabilities and protect against emerging threats, reducing the risk of exploitation by cyber attackers.

5. Educate Employees on Security Best Practices: Provide ongoing training and awareness programs to educate employees about cybersecurity risks, phishing scams, and safe remote work practices, empowering them to identify and avoid potential threats.

6. Monitor and Audit Remote Access: Implement monitoring and auditing tools to track remote access activities, detect suspicious behavior or unauthorized access attempts, and respond promptly to security incidents to mitigate potential damage.

Why Does Your Organisation Need a Remote Security Policy?

Having a remote security policy in 2024 is crucial for your organization to maintain data protection and defend against cyber threats. It provides clear guidelines for remote work practices, ensuring that everyone understands how to work securely from any location. Without this policy in place, your organization is at greater risk of data breaches and other security issues.