As the saying goes, modern problems require modern solutions, however these solutions often increase new risk factors or in some cases new risks altogether.
Across the world, companies and governments are taking measures to protect the health of employees and citizens – one of these measures is asking workers to work remotely. Staff and other workers will be logging into company sites, CRMS, attending online meetings and accessing sensitive data all via the internet on (in many cases) home computers and private mobile phones.
Shifting work patterns can have a drastic and unanticipated implication for IT and cybersecurity, therefore it’s important to understand if businesses are prepared for these changes and aware of the new cybersecurity risks. The steps below will help safeguard IT systems and data from cyberattacks for employees and staff:
Assess core IT infrastructure for remote working:
To work remotely, staff will transfer company data from their device (laptop or desktop) to company servers via the internet rather than ethernet cables or an enterprise. Therefore three categories of infrastructure need to be addressed: endpoints, connectivity and enterprise architecture.
Secure Applications and Devices for the Remote Workers
When working remotely, it’s important to make sure all firewalls are encrypted and remote-collaboration safeguards are installed. Additionally, cyber-incident response processes must be robust and company systems have secure access.
Embed cybersecurity into business continuity plans
Business continuity plans essentially outlines to process or steps needed to be taken to ensure a business can manage following an incident or crisis. With new ways of working, new provisions need to be introduced. E.g. Guarantee emergency security access to ensure tools can be accessed remotely.
Make the newly remote workforce aware of the added risks
Cybersecurity training and awareness-building initiatives are critical to reducing cyber risk. Workers need to be trained on how to use the tools securely to support remote collaboration.
Establish protocols and behaviours to prepare for secure remote working
Speed and scale of this transition to remote working create several security risks for a company.
Embed cybersecurity in corporate crisis management
Crisis management teams serve a central role in navigating organisations through difficult times. It’s vital to adapt plans for secure, remote crisis management.
Update access and security measures
Cybersecurity and identity management teams should limit their access and provide upgraded security measures to reduce the risk of compromise.
