Cyberattacks are on the rise, with alarming results. There were more cyberattacks between January and September 2021 than in all of 2020. We’re already close to breaking 2021’s record.
There is no indication of slowing down. However, there are ways to protect your data. They are easier than you might think, provided you understand the risks. Let’s discuss the most common IT threats associated with remote work, and how you can keep your data safe.
Most Common IT Risks with Remote Work
Before we get into the details of specific risks, let us briefly discuss who is most at risk and why. Potential attackers would be most likely to target large companies like Google and governments. They usually have the resources to protect their data.
A person might have weak or non-existent security, but they may be able to offer a small reward for their attacker. You will find middle-sized and small businesses that have weak security, but more assets or cash than the individual.
This means small businesses are more likely to be attacked than other people or institutions. Small businesses need to find solutions. These attacks are more damaging to small businesses than they are to larger companies leading 60% to file for bankruptcy within six months after an attack.
Let’s discuss the risks that businesses face like yours.
Social Engineering
Social engineering refers to when attackers use psychological manipulations to persuade people with access to a network or to allow them to access the system. Phishing is the most well-known form of social engineering.
Phishing emails are getting more sophisticated and harder to spot thanks to the advent of deep-fake tech. Businesses are now at serious risk from file sharing with remote workers. Your business could be in peril if one of your employees is prompted to send a similar email as their colleague.
Remote workers are also vulnerable to “watering holes” attacks. This is where they can find an online “watering spot” (chatrooms, affiliate groups, forums, etc.). Industry can infect the system with malware that can spread to other parts of the system. The chances of an attack sticking are high if all your employees use different networks.
Also read: Why Enterprises Need Zero Trust Security: Top 10 Reasons
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that infects your computer and locks it for ransom. You and your employees will be locked out of your network and will have to pay a fee to get your data back.
Ransomware can cause serious damage to your computer. The loss of all data could mean the end of your business. You won’t be able to choose but to pay. Ransomware can infect your data because there are so many moving parts in a remote workplace.
Password Attacks
It’s frustrating to have to remember a complex password, but it’s far more important than you realize. It was a password attack that caused the Colonial Pipeline hack which nearly brought down the US economy.
If a password is stolen or compromised and used in other systems, it can cause irreversible damage. This could lead to theft, ransom, or compromised data from customers and employees.
Malware
Although there are many potential threats to viruses and malware, all of them should be considered. Ransomware as a service (RaaS), is becoming more common in the criminal world as malware becomes more sophisticated.
There are many ways malware can get into your system, but there is a way to prevent it. Most malware can be dealt with both before and after it has entered your system. Not all malware is that simple to deal with.
How to Protect Your Business
Any attack on your system that isn’t dealt with immediately can have devastating financial consequences in the near future. It can also affect customer and employee trust and could cause legal problems for businesses that are bound by HIPAA or other data privacy laws.
Remote work and data privacy are compatible, but only if you know what you’re doing. No matter what your job structure is, here are some tips to help you protect your company’s data.
Use the Right Remote Work Tools
It doesn’t matter where your employees are located, ensure that they use company computers. You can make sure that your web browsers, antimalware systems, etc., are always up-to-date. To keep up with the latest malware and other IT risks, these systems must be regularly updated.
A VPN is essential for cybersecurity and remote work. It will connect everyone and create a uniform security system that leaves the most possible doors. There are many ways to gain access to your data if everyone is using a different network.
Remote desktops and secure file-sharing systems can also be used to improve security for remote workers.
Also read: Top 10 Remote Work Tools
Use the Right Anti-Malware Systems
As a business owner, it is essential to have up-to-date antimalware software. The average business takes 191 days for a breach to be discovered. This is due to the fact that business owners don’t run frequent scans. At least one scan per week should be done on every computer in your network to detect malware.
Secure Data Storage
Remote work is made easier by cloud-based storage. It’s not possible for everyone to save their files on different systems and then email them all over the place. It is too risky.
The cloud-based data storage is the best option. Two-factor authentication provides additional security so you can access your data anywhere. You and your employees can securely back up your data and access it from any location.
Extra Password Protection
You have two options to protect your business from password attacks. The first is to create strong passwords that are updated every three to six months. Your employees can be reminded to change their passwords by setting up prompts in your system.
You can also use two-factor authentication on any system to which you have access. This provides extra protection to your system so criminals don’t have access.
These codes are often required for accounts such as Facebook. They require you to enter a password and have a code sent directly to your phone. This could include biometrics and PINs, as well as email verifications. Even if an attacker gets your password, they can’t access it.
Educate Staff
This should remind you that your system cannot be protected by you alone. While you can be a cybersecurity expert, if your employees don’t keep up with the latest information, there are still plenty of opportunities for hackers to attack.
Anyone who has access to your network or other systems should be familiar with all security procedures and practices within your company. You may not have any security at all if you don’t.
This is especially true for social engineering attacks. There is no cybersecurity system that can replace employee education in this area. While we all may know that it is wrong to reply to the prince asking for wire transfers, many of us don’t know how to spot a phishing scam perpetrated by a coworker.
Select the Best IT Managed Services
The best thing for your company is to hire the right cybersecurity team to monitor and protect your systems. You can protect your systems regardless of where your workers may be by having someone to contact with cybersecurity questions and an extra eye on them.
Outsourcing is much more cost-effective than hiring an IT staff in-house. It will also put your company ahead of other small businesses and deter criminals from trying to hack your systems. You’ll be able quickly to respond and isolate the problem if it happens.
Last Line — Stay Safe
It’s now that you are aware of the most common IT threats associated with remote work, and how to avoid them, it’s time to act. Your system will be at greater risk if you wait. Get the right services immediately, train your staff, and you’ll be protected.
