Implementing effective cyber security for remote workers is now a critical priority, as the Covid-19 pandemic has forced large parts of Australia into long periods of lockdown. There is increasing concern over the long-term effect this will have on businesses, both financially and from a cybersecurity perspective. Businesses are faced with the need to cut costs to deal with the financial impact of lockdown while maintaining the level of services they offer to their customers.
Here are 6 strategies to keep your workforce productive and secure:
Patching
Ensure laptops and desktops are being patched while outside of the office. This is a fundamental pillar of cyber security for remote workers to ensure that known vulnerabilities are not exploited by attackers while devices are off-site.
Better endpoint protection
Upgrade your endpoint protection to XDR (Extended Detection and Response) or at least EDR (Endpoint detection and response).
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Enable MFA wherever is possible. There are examples of breaches in the news daily that could have been avoided by MFA. According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, MFA is one of the most effective ways to secure your remote accounts.
Security awareness training
Users need frequent reminders about how important cyber security for remote workers is and how to protect company assets. Working from home has reduced our interaction with peers, and could cause employees to let their guard down.
Cybersecurity Policy
Implement a work from home policy addressing the use of work computers. Family members should not be permitted to use work equipment under any circumstances. Ensure this policy is clearly communicated to all staff members.
Employee wellbeing
Longer working hours and the mental pressures of lockdown and home-schooling are contributing to an increasingly stressed workforce. Employees tend to make more mistakes when under pressure or tired, leaving them vulnerable to malicious e-mails and phishing. Where possible, encourage a healthy work-life balance as part of your overall cyber security for remote workers framework.
You may also be interested in our vCISO or CISO-as-a-Service. This consultancy IT solution brings expertise and guidance to business leaders who need help securing their organisation – without the burden of hiring a full-time resource. Our team can help you implement these cyber security for remote workers strategies quickly and effectively.
If you would like to discuss any of these strategies, or if you have any cybersecurity concerns, reach out to us. Industry certified and backed by decades of experience, our innovative and agile security solutions and risk management services defend against cyber villains and other web nasties, every hour of every day.
Orro’s team of certified security professionals are here to help.
Get in touch today to see how we can help you strengthen your cyber security for remote workers and protect your business from emerging threats.
