Remote working - how to take care of cyber security?

What are the cyber security implications of remote working?

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions associated with it, many companies were forced to switch to remote working. A number of advantages associated with it were then recognised. These include, for example, the fact that employees do not have to commute to the office every day, which is very convenient and saves time and money. For business owners, too, remote working is advantageous, as it means that they do not have to bear the costs associated with organising workplaces in the office.

Despite the many advantages, it must be remembered that with such an organisation of work the employer does not have full control over staff. This becomes particularly apparent in the realm of cyber security. A business owner may not be sure, for example, whether staff:

• uses appropriate anti-virus software and regularly updates it - this also applies to the individual applications loaded on the computer;
• applies data protection guidelines;
• reaches for multi-level authentication;
• uses business devices for private purposes - the reverse can also be found in some organisations.

Remote working is A huge challenge for IT security. If you are a business owner, you should ensure that all employees use the right software and procedures, including for protecting company data. This will help prevent many cyber threats.

Why is it crucial to take care of IT security when working remotely?

IT security when working remotely is a must because ensure the continuity of the company's operations and the proper performance of the staff's duties. Properly protecting your organisation against cyber threats will help ensure that a hacking attack does not occur. By doing so, you will prevent:

• the leakage of company data, which is extremely dangerous due to the possibility of losing company secret information - the integrity or corruption of data can also be compromised;

• Identity theft, which can affect not only a company's employees, but also its customers - the result can be a deterioration of an organisation's image in the market, as it will be seen as one that is unable to take reliable care of cyber security;
• blocking access to computers or networks and, in extreme cases, having to pay a ransom to hackers in order to regain control of the equipment.

Each company may fall victim to hackers. Remember that the source of attacks can come not only from systems and devices located in the company, but also from equipment used by employees while carrying out their work duties at home.

Cybercriminals use a variety of attack methods. This includes, for example phishing, which involves impersonating trusted institutions or individuals and phishing for confidential information, such as logins and passwords. The following attacks are also common DDoS (as a result of a large number of requests to the system, services are blocked) and the infection of devices botnets, which make computers difficult to use, for example as a result of the constant display of spam.

If you take care of IT security when working remotely, you can significantly neutralise or even completely eliminate the risk of unauthorised intrusion into information systems used in the company. This will prevent downtime in its operations or the loss of significant amounts of money. Remember that a company with good cyber security practices is better perceived in the market. The result is that it effectively attracts stakeholders, i.e. customers or business partners.

How do you ensure your company's IT security? Proven ways

As the owner of a company where remote working is carried out, you should take care of IT security. You therefore need to know what your options are in this regard. Below, we will outline effective methods to prevent cyber threats.

Formulate an information security policy

The information security policy should include a description of the procedures to be followed in collecting, processing and sharing data used in the company. In the case of remote working, it should specify how such data should be exchanged. Communication is best based on an encrypted SSL protocol and on a VPN, i.e. a virtual private network. The security requirements applied by employees on devices used while working from home are also important.

Ensure that employees are trained in cyber security

Every company needs regular training on IT security while working remotely. They will provide staff with an understanding of the ever-changing methods of cybercriminals and how to protect themselves against them, as well as the principles of safe use of electronic devices.

During training, it is useful to sensitise employees to:

• used multi-level authentication with strong passwords and SMS or mobile applications;
• avoided using public networks that are available in, for example, shopping malls or restaurants, as hackers can easily break into them;
• regularly update the software used when working remotely;
• back up files;
• always log out of the app when they have finished using it;
• immediately reported any cyber security incidents.

Through training, you will ensure that your staff take adequate care of your company's IT security. In addition to courses, you can also bet on distributing educational material on cyber security to your employees, for example via company e-mail.

Ensure staff have access to appropriate software and hardware

When working remotely, you are obliged to provide your employees with all necessary equipment and materials. This includes, for example:

• modern laptops with legal anti-virus software;
• U2F keys used for two-level authentication;
• uninterruptible power supplies, which will negate the risk of data loss due to a power cut.

It is not worth saving on software or hardware, as IT cyber security is crucial to your company's interests.

Apply a safety management system in your company

There are various systems you can use in your company to manage IT security. These include antivirus, anti-spam software (providing protection against unwanted e-mails or advertisements) and antispyware (they protect against spyware). Another example is content filtering systems that catch and remove botnets or Trojans.

A great option for any company is UTM, a multifunctional firewall. It integrates a range of IT security solutions in one place. Includes:

• e-mail and web filtering;
• wireless network protection;
• intrusion detection.

Another extremely useful system is access control. It is particularly suitable for hybrid work, i.e. work that is carried out partly on the company's premises and partly remotely. It relies on automatic identification of persons who enter company buildings and premises. It is an ideal way to protect a server room or a room where company documents are stored from unauthorised access.

If you need systems such as UTM or access control, it is worth using the proven solutions offered by a specialised company. They are very functional and easy to use and will allow you to take proper care of your IT security.