Recent events have spurred many companies to transition to remote work, which presents new challenges in keeping company data safe. With the rise in remote work has come an increase in the number of cybercriminals launching attacks against remote workers, leading to data breaches and other cybersecurity incidents. As a result, companies need to take proactive measures to ensure their data stays safe when working remotely. Read on for tips for protecting your company against cyber threats. 

1. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

One of the most basic steps companies can take to secure their data is to use strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Weak passwords are easy for cybercriminals to crack, and they can provide an open door to sensitive company data. 

"To create strong passwords, employees should use a combination of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols," suggested Ryan Rottman, Co-Founder and CEO of OSDB. "Avoid using easily guessable passwords, such as birthdates or names." 

Two-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security by requiring users to provide two forms of identification to access their accounts. This can include a password, fingerprint scan, or a one-time code sent to a user's phone. Two-factor authentication helps ensure that even if a cybercriminal manages to guess a password, they won't be able to access sensitive data without the second authentication factor.

2. Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

When working remotely, employees often use public Wi-Fi networks to access the internet. While convenient, public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, and cybercriminals can use them to intercept sensitive data transmitted over the network. Protect against this by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

"VPNs create a secure tunnel between a user's device and the internet, making it difficult for cybercriminals to intercept data," explained Christian Kjaer, CEO of ElleVet Sciences. "VPNs also hide a user's IP address, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to track their online activities." 

Enterprise VPNs are designed to meet the specific needs of businesses, including secure access for remote workers, compliance with data privacy regulations, and the ability to scale to meet the demands of large organizations.

Unlike consumer VPNs, which are often used for personal privacy and security, enterprise VPNs are typically managed by an IT department and provide centralized control and management of user access and security policies. Enterprise VPNs can also integrate with other security solutions, such as intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and endpoint security, to provide a layered approach to cybersecurity.

3. Implement Security Software and Keep It Updated

Another essential step in securing company data is implementing security software and keeping it updated. This includes anti-virus software, firewalls, and other security tools. 

"Anti-virus software helps detect and remove malware and other malicious software that could compromise company data," said Shelley Hancock, Chief Beauty Officer of Shelley Hancock Consulting. "Firewalls help block unauthorized access to company networks and data."

Keeping security software up to date is critical because cybercriminals are constantly developing new ways to attack company systems. Security software companies release regular updates to their products to address new threats, and companies should make sure their employees have the latest software versions installed.

4. Train Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices

(Photo : Moe Magners)

Companies should invest in training their employees on cybersecurity best practices. Many data breaches occur due to human error, such as employees using weak passwords or falling for phishing scams. 

"By educating employees on how to identify and avoid cybersecurity threats, companies can reduce the risk of data breaches," Jack Carrere, CEO and Co-Founder of Prokeep said. "Training can cover identifying phishing emails, creating strong passwords, and avoiding public Wi-Fi networks." 

Companies can also conduct regular cybersecurity drills to test their employees' knowledge and preparedness. Drills keep your people sharp in the event of a real emergency!

5. Secure Endpoints

Endpoints include the devices employees use to access company data, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Companies should implement endpoint security measures to protect against unauthorized access and cyberattacks. 

"This includes installing anti-virus and anti-malware software on all endpoints, implementing firewalls, and using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools," said Monte Deere, CEO of Kizik, a company known for their slip on shoes. "EDR tools can detect and respond to security incidents in real time, helping to minimize the impact of cyberattacks. Endpoint security solutions can be managed centrally through a security information and event management (SIEM) system, which provides real-time monitoring of security events across all endpoint devices and applications."

Companies should also enforce policies such as device encryption, password protection, and screen lockout. This ensures that sensitive data on endpoints is protected, even if a device is lost or stolen. Additionally, employees should be trained on properly handling company devices and immediately reporting any lost or stolen devices.

6. Restrict Access to Sensitive Data

Not all employees need access to all company data. To reduce the risk of data breaches, companies should restrict access to sensitive data based on an employee's job role and responsibilities. 

"Greater data security can be achieved through access controls and permissions, such as role-based access control (RBAC) and attribute-based access control (ABAC)," stated Matt Masiello, Chief Marketing Officer of BabyBuddha. "RBAC ensures that employees only have access to the data necessary to perform their job functions, while ABAC uses attributes such as job role and location to determine access levels."

Companies should also regularly review and update access permissions as employees change roles or leave the company. Companies should also monitor access logs to detect any unusual activity and investigate potential data breaches.

7. Monitor Remote Access

Remote access lets employees work from anywhere, but it also presents new cybersecurity risks. Companies should monitor remote access to ensure only authorized employees access company data and applications. This can be achieved through remote access logs and VPN logs, which can help detect any unusual activity.

"Use all the tools at your disposal to monitor access and stay ahead of threats," said Miles Beckett, Co-Founder and CEO of Flossy. "Remote access logs record user activity on remote desktops or servers, providing details on who accessed the remote machine, when they accessed it, and for how long. Session recording software captures all actions taken by users during a remote session, providing a detailed view of the user's activity and any changes made to the system or data. User behavior analytics (UBA) uses machine learning algorithms to analyze user behavior and detect anomalous activity that could indicate a security threat."

Companies should also implement policies and procedures for remote access, including using VPNs and two-factor authentication. Additionally, companies should ensure that employees are not accessing company data from public computers or unsecured networks.

8. Implement a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan

Despite best efforts, cybersecurity incidents can still occur. Companies should have a clear and comprehensive cybersecurity incident response plan to minimize the impact of any incidents. 

"Everyone should know exactly what to do in the event of a security incident, whether they're at the office, working from home, or on the road," said Asker A Ahmed, Director of iProcess Global Research. "The plan should include procedures for detecting, containing, and mitigating cybersecurity incidents, as well as the roles and responsibilities of key personnel. The incident response plan should also include a communication plan for notifying employees, customers, and stakeholders about the incident. 

The plan should be regularly tested and updated to ensure it's working effectively and is up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices.

9. Provide Regular Cybersecurity Awareness Training

Employees are often the weakest link in a company's cybersecurity defenses. Providing regular cybersecurity awareness training to employees can help them understand data security and how to identify and avoid cybersecurity threats such as phishing scams, malware, and social engineering attacks.

"The training should cover topics such as password hygiene, how to identify suspicious emails and links, and the proper use of company devices and applications," Susan Kim Shaffer, President and Co-Founder of Pneuma Nitric Oxide explained. "Employees should also be encouraged to immediately report any cybersecurity incidents or suspicious activity to their IT department. Even better, employees should know the reasons behind these policies so they are more invested in upholding best practices."

By providing regular cybersecurity awareness training, companies can help employees become more aware of potential cybersecurity risks and develop a culture of security awareness within the organization.

Keep Your Work and Data Fully Secure

In today's digital age, cybersecurity is more critical than ever before. The rise of remote work and the increasing reliance on technology in our personal and professional lives have created new cybersecurity threats and challenges that must be addressed to ensure the safety and privacy of our data. 

"Cybersecurity must remain a top priority for companies with remote employees," notes Max Ade, CEO of Pickleheads. "By implementing strong security measures, such as multi-factor authentication and encryption, businesses can ensure their data stays safe from potential threats and breaches."

As our reliance on technology continues to grow, cybersecurity will become even more critical in ensuring the integrity and reliability of digital systems and infrastructure. These tips will help your organization address the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape to stay safe and secure in today's digital world.