Recent top market research has revealed that about 70% of employees working remotely experience cybersecurity breaches either inconspicuously causing a data leak or a breach that has brought the business to its knees. Remote work is now an accepted option for many professionals and organizations, but the rising popularity of work from anywhere has driven corresponding cybersecurity breaches.
Remote employees unknowingly expand the attack surface and increase risk by introducing unsanctioned technology. There has been a growth of shadow IT (Technology systems, applications, or devices that are being used within an organization without the knowledge, approval, or support of the organization’s IT department.), as people working from home are using technology that may not be accepted by IT, but they need it to get their job done regardless of the security complications.
Moreover, cybercriminals are seizing the shift to remote work environments by exploiting vulnerabilities in the infrastructure that enables remote work and tweaking how they target the employees themselves.
Additionally, physical devices such as laptops or smartphones can also be lost or stolen, which can result in sensitive data being compromised.
The following are some of the security breaches of remote working
Unsecured networks: Unsecured networks pose a security breach in remote working because they allow for sensitive information transmitted over the network to be intercepted and accessed by unauthorized parties. Employees who work from home and use unsecured Wi-Fi networks risk exposing sensitive data, such as login credentials or confidential information, to potential cyber-attacks. This can result in data theft, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and other security incidents.
Lack of physical security: When employees work from home, they may not have the same level of physical security as they would in a traditional office environment. For example, a laptop or smartphone containing sensitive information can be lost or stolen, which can compromise sensitive data.
Phishing attacks: Phishing attacks are security breaches of remote working because they trick employees into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information, to an unauthorized party posing as a trustworthy source. These attacks often take the form of emails or websites that appear to be from a legitimate source but are designed to steal sensitive information. Remote workers may be particularly vulnerable to phishing attacks, as they may not have the same level of awareness or access to security resources as they would in a traditional office environment.
Malware Infection: Malware is a type of software that is designed to harm a device or steal information. When a remote worker’s device becomes infected with malware, it can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, data theft, and other security incidents.
Unauthorized access: Unauthorized access is a security breach of remote working because it refers to someone gaining access to sensitive information or systems without proper authorization. This can occur when an employee’s device or account is compromised through a security breach, such as a phishing attack or malware infection. Once an attacker has gained unauthorized access, they can steal sensitive information, install malware, or manipulate data.
Weak Passwords: A weak password can be easily guessed or cracked, such as “123456” or “your name”. When a remote worker uses a weak password, they increase the risk of their device or account being compromised. A strong password is typically at least 12 characters long and contains a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. It is not easily guessable. Additionally, using multi-factor authentication, where available, can also help to protect against password-related security breaches.
How to prevent a security Breach when working remotely
Remote workers can help to reduce the risk of security breaches and protect sensitive information by taking the following steps:
- Use a secure virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt data transmission and protect sensitive information.
- Keep all devices and software up to date with the latest security patches and software updates.
- Implement strong and unique passwords and use multi-factor authentication when available.
- Be cautious when opening emails or clicking links from unknown sources and avoid downloading attachments from untrusted sources.
- Store physical devices in a secure location when not in use and keep them under lock and key when possible.
- Stay away from using public Wi-Fi networks for sending sensitive information and use a secure Wi-Fi network whenever possible.
- Regularly scan for malware and perform security audits to detect and prevent security breaches.
- Educate employees on good security practices and raise awareness of potential security threats.
Ultimately, by employing reputable internet security solution providers like Kaspersky, AWS, SOPHOS, and SAP among others. Organizations, B2B‘s, and individuals can prevent security breaches of remote working as It immediately detects, notifies, and removes malware such as viruses and trojans and protects against a wide range of online threats.
They provide user-centric solutions that are easy to manage, and they employ the latest technology in their security policies to ensure a safe work environment. As their trusted and reliable partners, let us help you and your organization to become cyber insured by getting started with the best cybersecurity solutions.
