Remote working has its benefits for many businesses, whether its flexibility or access to a wider talent pool, but it doesn’t come without risk: cyber security. Working from the office, you have the protection of managed networks and firewalls, which you don’t have when your team work from home. Whether your team is fully remote or hybrid, here are some practical tips to help keep your business safe.
1. Establish Clear Remote Work Policies
Remote working policies should include security guidelines for colleagues to follow. Some of these policies should include:
- Acceptable use of company devices
- Data handling procedures
- Password and authentication rules
- Expectations for software updates and antivirus use
Clear policies help employees understand their responsibilities and reduce risky behaviour.
2. Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Weak passwords are one of the easiest ways for attackers to access systems. One way to tackle this is by implementing rules which require:
- Unique, complex passwords for all accounts. These can be managed using a password manager to help prevent people being locked out of their accounts or using weak passwords.
- Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible. This means that even in the event of a security breach, only authorised people can access accounts.
3. Secure Home Wi-Fi Networks
Employees should ensure their home Wi-Fi networks are secure. That means:
- Using a strong, unique password (not the default)
- Enabling WPA3 or WPA2 encryption where possible
- Regularly updating router firmware
Consider providing a checklist or training for team members on how to secure their home networks.
4. Use VPNs for Encrypted Connections
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts data transmitted between the user and your company’s systems. This protects sensitive information from being intercepted, especially on public or less secure networks, such as those at home.
If your team accesses internal resources, a company-managed VPN should be mandatory.
5. Keep Devices and Software Updated
Outdated software can have vulnerabilities which are no longer fixed or monitored by developer patches, this makes it a prime target for hackers. Here are a few ways to help ensure remote workers keep their software up to date:
- Enable automatic updates on their devices
- Security patches are installed promptly
- Any software used for work is current and supported
Your IT support company should also have a system to monitor and manage updates remotely, where possible.
6. Limit Access Based on Roles
It isn’t necessary to allow every employee access to every system. Implementing role-based access control will ensure team members only have access to information needed for their role. This can help limit damage if any account does become compromised.
7. Train Employees on Security Awareness
Regular cybersecurity training should take place, regardless of whether team members are fully remote or hybrid, to help keep your business safe. Some examples of topics which should be covered as a part of this training include:
- How to spot phishing emails
- Safe internet browsing habits
- What to do if they suspect a security breach
Having your team up-to-date on their training can significantly reduce the risk of a cyber-attack.
8. Use Endpoint Protection Tools
Remote devices are vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and other threats. invest in:
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) software
- Centralised antivirus/antimalware tools
- Remote monitoring and management (RMM) solutions
This helps you track, protect, and if needed, lock or wipe devices from afar.
9. Backup Data Regularly
There are many ways data can become compromised, whether it’s accidental deletion or a security breach. Here are some ways you can ensure data loss is kept to a minimum:
- Automatic backups are enabled for critical data
- Backups are encrypted and stored securely (ideally off-site or in the cloud)
- Regular testing of backups to ensure they can be restored
10. Have an Incident Response Plan
Even with all precautions, breaches can still happen. Having a clear, tested incident response plan allows you to act quickly and reduce damage. Your plan should include:
- Who to contact
- Steps to isolate affected systems
- Legal/reporting requirements
- Communication templates
Being prepared means you’ll spend less time panicking and more time resolving the issue.
Final thoughts
Taking the right steps to secure your business’s data is imperative in today’s remote working world. With the right policies, tools and training, you can help keep your business safe, no matter where your team works from.
