10 Security Tips for Remote Working during Coronavirus Outbreak

Is your company playing its part in flattening the COVID-19 curve by letting your employees work from home? If yes, then you are doing great. Amidst making sure everyone’s productivity and coping with the change, it’s equally important to keep cybersecurity in check.

Regardless of the size of your business, you are susceptible to cybercrime. It’s harder than ever to product company data from unauthorized users. Hackers are paving through hardware security vulnerabilities and other tricks like social reengineering to take advantage of the gullible remote workers.

Security tips

No business out there is safe without preventive measures. You don’t need an advanced cybersecurity system in place to keep your data safe. Some basic tips followed strictly keep hackers at bay and protect the company’s data. Let’s look at these together:

#1: Provide Company Computers

Unless your business can’t afford it, never let your employees work on their personal devices. These computers don’t have the same level of cybersecurity protection. Let’s say the PC of an employee is infected and they use it to access the company’s server, this could leak malware and all sorts of viruses.

Ideally, provide company PCs to your remote workforce and make sure it has antivirus and all necessary firewall installed. Share strict guidelines with your employees about using company devices for personal use.

#2: Use a VPN

A VPN is a program that lets people connect to the internet safely. Some employees could be using the neighbor’s shared Wi-Fi network and that could be a threat to your company’s data policy. To prevent the risk of being seen by third parties, encourage your remote team to use a VPN. Almost all IT firms including IT staffing companies recommend using a VPN to protect the company’s data.

#3: Beware Of Email Attachments

When you are working on the web, caution is everything. Cyberattacks hit you the most when you are not mindful. You must be exchanging emails more than usual during WFH. Beware of the emails with suspicious subjects, attachments, and requirements.

Sometimes, you recognize the sender’s name but their request seems unusual. When that happens, call your colleague to verify the request before fulfilling it.

Similarly, don’t open suspicious links or download suspicious files. They could contain malware or even ransomware. Never share personal information on email either.

#4: Use Cloud Storage Often

Instead of storing data on the computers, store it on cloud-based services provided by authorized providers. In case your computer is stolen or it malfunctions, you won’t lose data. You will have a backup copy on the cloud.

#5: Educate About Basic Security

It’s the company's responsibility to teach its employees the basics of cybersecurity. They must have a thorough understanding of phishing emails, social reengineering, malware, ransomware, ruling on using public Wi-Fi, etc.

Besides these measures, create an adaptive company culture. For instance, have an emergency response team in place to assist you remote workers in case something goes wrong. Help must be available right away.

#6: Share Sensitive Info Separately 

All companies have to deal with sensitive information once in a while. To be extra careful about it sharing online use software such as Box. It lets you access, store, and share content securely.

When you attach an email containing private information to an email, there’s no way to trace what happens to the document. With the Box, you can determine who can view or download the files shares. The software also lets you set an expiration date. You will have complete control over who accesses that file.

#7: Keep All Software Updated 

Windows, firewall to antivirus, all essential programs must be updated. The security team of your company must set the machines to update automatically.

#8: Enable 2FA

2FA (2 Factor Authentication) wherever possible to boost the security of your online accounts. This way, if some unauthorized user tries to access your account, you will receive an SMS code on your phone. There are two benefits to this. First, they won’t be able to break in without that code. Second, you will know someone is trying to access your account and take action accordingly.

#9: Don’t Use USB Drive

Make sure your remote team doesn’t use USB drives on the company provided PCs. they often contain viruses and can infect the devices. Use cloud storage for transferring or sharing files.

#10: Use Strong Passwords

Whether it’s your work email or your PC’s user account, it must be password protected. Use an online password generator if you need in generating a strong password. These tools also save passwords to all your accounts in one place so that you don’t have to remember them all. It’s also recommended to change your password every 3 months to reduce the chances of getting hacked.

Conclusion 

Prevention is better than cure and every business operating from home must stick by this notion. Make sure your remote teams follow these protocols to protect the company’s data at all costs.

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