Hackers are going after remote workers as more business owners embrace remote work, taking advantage of weaknesses that many business owners don’t address. Most small businesses need more resources to protect their digital infrastructure. If your staff communicates over the internet, hackers could get access to your important data if you don’t protect your remote workers.
Why Remote Workforce Cybersecurity Is Important
Your business data contains identity and financial information about your employees and customers. Without the right cybersecurity plans, you could be a victim of a cybercriminal who takes advantage of the flaws in your business. Most of the time, they do this by using the personal devices of their workers to get passwords and other log-in information.
Many people use their equipment to do work tasks. But only some business owners have enough security layers to build a safe, protected digital network. You can easily use a few cost-effective solutions to protect your employees who work from home.
10 Hacker Protection Tips for Protecting Your Remote Workers
Protective software, password management, and consistent staff education are three ways to add security to your digital operations. Learn how to use these methods to keep hackers away from your remote workers.
#1 Antivirus SoftwareÂ
A computer virus is software that gets into files, steals information, and spreads across a network. Antivirus software keeps devices safe by finding and stopping harmful software from being downloaded. You can buy an antivirus software pack to make sure that all of the devices on your digital network are safe.
If you have the resources, give your workers company-owned devices to use for work. Before issuing them, install the security software. If not, tell your workers to pick a specific device for work and give them software keys to keep it safe.
#2 Password Manager Applications
Secure passwords are often hard to remember. It would help if you also changed them every six months or more often. Some password management systems offer packages for multiple people that are either free or affordable. Password managers may have features like:
- Recurring reminders to change network passwords
- Password encryption
- Complex password suggestions to help you develop secure passwords
Check out password management options that will work best for your business, especially if you use shared network assets that could put passwords that aren’t secure at risk.
#3 Employee Education
An educated staff is the best security measure against hackers. When remote employees know what to avoid, they can proactively protect their personal equipment and passwords. Implement the following in your company culture to improve employee habits and awareness:
- Once or twice a year, schedule training sessions where you review new threats and protection methods with your employees.
- Encourage your staff to use caution when seeking third-party solutions to improve their workflow. Prevent them from introducing any software until you review it.
- Introduce new security tools and help your staff understand them. The more layers of security you implement, the better.
#4 Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Encourage your remote workers to enable MFA for all their accounts, both personal and work-related. With MFA in place, even if a hacker obtains their password, they would still need an additional authentication factor, like a one-time code sent to their mobile device, to access the account.
#5 Secure Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Using a VPN is essential for securing internet connections when remote workers access your company’s resources. Ensure that your remote workers use a reputable VPN service to encrypt their internet traffic and protect sensitive data from prying eyes. Encourage them to connect to the VPN whenever they access company systems or work-related information.
#6 Regular Software Updates and Patch Management
Outdated software and unpatched systems are common entry points for hackers. Encourage your remote workers to keep their operating systems, applications, and security software up to date. Implement a patch management system to ensure that all devices and software used by your remote workers receive timely security updates.
#7 Data Encryption
Data encryption is a vital safeguard to protect sensitive information. Encourage your remote workers to encrypt data both in transit and at rest. Data encryption ensures that even if a hacker gains access to files or messages, they cannot decipher the content without the encryption key.
#8 Secure File Sharing
Remote workers often need to share files and documents. It’s crucial to educate them about secure file-sharing practices. Emphasize the use of reputable, secure cloud storage solutions and encrypted file-sharing platforms. Discourage the use of personal email accounts for work-related file sharing.
#9 Incident Response Plan
Prepare your remote workforce for the worst-case scenario by establishing a clear incident response plan. In case of a security breach or data compromise, they should know how to react, who to contact, and what steps to take to mitigate the impact. Regularly test and update this plan to ensure it remains effective.
#10 Secure Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
If remote workers need access to company servers or desktop computers, ensure that Remote Desktop Protocol is used securely. Use strong, unique passwords for RDP access, limit access to authorized individuals, and consider implementing additional security measures like Network Level Authentication (NLA).
Protect Your Remote Workers From Hackers for Better Business Security
When you protect your remote workers from hackers, you protect your business’s success and longevity. Cyber attacks can destroy small businesses, and remote workforces face unique challenges. Threat prevention and awareness demonstrate your company’s care for employees and customers.
Visit our website, www.turnkeysol.com/resources/, for more educational resources, webinars, and white papers on cybersecurity and technology topics. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter at turnkeysol.com/tks-newsletter/ for useful tips, tricks, and industry insights.
I know most people need help with this. We look forward to being of service to you and answering any questions.
If there’s anything we can do to help please let us know. Do you have a topic that you would like us to cover? Shoot us an email and let us know: stephanier@turnkeysol.com
Reach out to us ask@tks.la or call 225-751-4444 or visit our website at www.turnkeysol.com.
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