Security Challenges for Remote & Hybrid Workforces

The year 2020 is an exceptionally unique year. Incited by a worldwide pandemic, we’ve been compelled to change numerous things about how we live, work and relate. For most organizations, this implies a fast and exhaustive move towards remote work. As organizations hope to reduce expenses, lessen turnover and amplify progress, internet will assume a focal part in both the present and future of work.

While remote work comes with numerous advantages, it comes with various cyber security and network protection challenges. At this point, the costs and concerns of a data breach or cyber security event are well-documented, they threaten to weaken the benefits of this new work arrangement. Luckily, organizations aren’t delicate in such situations. By finding a way to alleviate the harmful vulnerabilities, they can limit chance and boost opportunity during this phase of transformation.

Here are three hazards for remote groups and the subsequent stages organizations can take to improve their protective stances:

1. Insider Threats

Indeed, even before distant work was universal, unplanned and vindictive insider threats represented a genuine danger to data security. As internal colleagues, employees have free access to organization and client information, which, when left unchecked, can disrupt organization, client and employee privacy. The pandemic’s impact on the job market has made malicious insiders susceptible to capture or compromise data to gain leverage with new employment prospects or to generate extra income.

In this regard, openness is of the utmost importance, and responsibility through observing activities or different endeavors will help keep information secured during the change. In doing so, CTOs and other IT administrators can prevent:

· Unintentional or malevolent information sharing or exfiltration

· Unapproved data access

· Device management

The relevant software and hardware can prevent real-time alerts of suspicious behaviour, allowing stakeholders to communicate and collaborate with employees, creating effective communication channels that improve overall data security.

2. Access Control

Most organizations have gone through years strengthening the IT framework against digital threats. Remote workers need to leave organizations’ network, and IT administrators should prepare them for these conditions.

Numerous employees are utilizing unstable Wi-Fi associations, which could undermine data security. Simultaneously, hackers are promptly exploiting billions of traded off login records to gain entry to important IT infrastructure. In this regard, management needs to equip remote employees with the tools to control access to their records and network. This incorporates:

· Strong Account Passwords — Employees need to utilize unique and strong passwords that are regularly refreshed

· Data Security Devices — Companies need to provide access to a safe VPN network and two-factor validation on all accounts

These steps can help reduce exposure to cyber risks related to network and account access.

3. Vindictive Messages

Troublemakers are demonstrating their dexterity as they react to the COVID-19 pandemic with a downpour of fraudulent messages that capitalizes people’s fear, weakness, and curiosity.

When employees are stressed, isolated and overwhelmed, they are more likely to engage with and succumb to these dangers. While automation and cyber security software can help reduce this risk, companies should pour energy and resources into training initiatives that educate employees on the risks and equip them with viable methodologies for ensuring information. Organizations should incorporate threat simulation training that resembles the kinds of issues employees might experience while working remotely — such as phishing attempts, ransom ware and breaches of cloud-based systems. These trainings can reinforce daily habits that help employees identify potential threats and prepare them to take the necessary actions to report them.

Change is simple, and it’s surely never impeccable. As remote work is emerging as the trend of a hybrid workforce it’s important to ensure that this arrangement is an asset and not a hindrance.

By addressing the most prevalent threats to data security, companies can reduce the probability of a data breach or cyber security incident resulting from the new normal.