According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of people working from home in the UK has more than doubled from 4.7 million to 9.9 million between 2019 and 2022. Remote work has become a way of life for many people in the UK. However, it also brings cyber security risks that demand attention.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some practical tips that businesses, especially smaller ones, can adopt to ensure the security of their data and IT systems.
The first step in securing remote workers is to educate them about the risks associated with working remotely. Employees should be aware of the potential risks of working in public places such as coffee shops. Over-the-shoulder attacks, where cyber criminals discreetly snoop on your screen in public spaces, might seem unlikely, but they have real potential to lead to data breaches. Employees should choose to work in quieter, more private settings to minimise this risk.
Another important aspect of securing remote workers is to beware of public Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi is a common breeding ground for cyber threats. If your people must work from a public place, ask them to avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi. These networks can be less secure and make you vulnerable to hacking. Instead, use your mobile phone’s hotspot for a safer internet connection or a VPN (Virtual Private Network) that encrypts company data.
Invest in security software to safeguard remote workers from hackers, malware, and other cyber threats. Antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems can play a vital role in protecting your data and IT systems. Furthermore, it’s critical to keep all software up to date with the latest security patches and updates to avoid any vulnerabilities.
In addition to these technical measures, it’s important to establish clear policies and procedures for remote work. Employees should be trained in how to manage sensitive data and how to report security incidents. Regular security awareness training can help employees stay up to date on the latest threats and best practices.
Finally, businesses should consider working with an expert IT managed services provider like Modern Networks to help secure their remote workers and home office IT systems. We can provide your business with a range of services, including security assessments, security software installation and configuration, and ongoing security monitoring and support.
Remote working offers many benefits to both employees and employers. However, it’s important to remember to choose your work location wisely, beware of public Wi-Fi, invest in security software, establish clear policies and procedures, and work with an experienced IT managed services provider like Modern Networks to ensure the security of your data and IT systems.
We’ve created some resources to show how to safeguard your remote workforce:
