As more and more businesses allow employees to work remotely, the need for strong cyber security measures remains.
Cyber attacks have increased dramatically as companies shifted to remote work during the pandemic. The story is the same in an almost post-pandemic world where more companies are making work-from-home and hybrid schedules the norm.
In fact, cyberattacks jumped 238% from 2019 to 2022. With employees accessing sensitive information and company networks from their own personal devices and home networks, it's easier for hackers to exploit the vulnerabilities of remote access and breach security systems.
A remote managed services provider helps you navigate the complexities of keeping your company safe while employees work outside of the office.
The cyber security risks for remote workers are many and varied. From weak passwords to unsecured home devices, there are a number of ways that your company's data can be compromised when your employees are working from home. The 7 most common threats include:
Resource: Want to learn how to create a cyber security plan for your small businesses? Download our guide:
Ever get those emails from a "prince" overseas who is promising you a large inheritance? Or what about that email from your boss urging you to wire them money because they are stranded abroad?
Suffice it to say, there’s a good chance you’re not going to provide safe harbor to a foreign power’s finances nor is your boss behind bars.
Those are phishing emails.
Phishing is a type of email scam in which the attacker pretends to be a legitimate sender in order to trick the recipient into clicking on a malicious link or attachment. Once the victim clicks on the link or downloads the attachment, their device can be infected with malware or their personal information can be stolen.
|
To protect yourself from phishing attacks, never click on links or attachments from unknown senders. If you're not sure whether an email is legitimate, contact the sender directly to confirm before clicking on anything. |
If your employees' passwords are easy to guess, hackers can easily gain access to their accounts and sensitive data. Passwords like "password" or dates of birth are easily compromised.
To protect yourself from phishing attacks, never click on links or attachments from unknown senders. If you're not sure whether an email is legitimate, contact the sender directly to confirm before clicking on anything.
|
To create a strong password, use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Don't reuse the same password for multiple accounts. If one of your accounts is compromised, all of your other accounts are at risk as well. |
If your employees' home computer or laptop is not properly secured, hackers can easily gain access to their devices and the sensitive data stored on them. Things are even worse when no firewalls or antivirus software are employed – essentially the doors to a device are left wide open.
|
To protect your devices from cyber attacks, make sure you have a strong password set up and that your antivirus software is up to date. You should also avoid using public WiFi networks to access sensitive data. |
When you share files over the Internet, they are usually encrypted so that only the sender and receiver can access them. However, if the files are not properly encrypted, anyone who intercepts them can view their contents.
|
To protect your files from being intercepted, make sure you're using a secure file-sharing service that uses encryption. |
If your employees' home WiFi network is not properly secured, anyone within range can access it and any data they're transmitting over the network. An employee neglecting to lock down their network or using a weak password can create an open door for intruders.
|
To protect your home WiFi network, make sure you use a strong password and enable encryption. You should also consider using a VPN to encrypt all of your internet traffic. |
Many businesses have employees use their personal computers for remote work. However, using the same computer for both work and personal purposes can be problematic. Your company's data can be compromised if a personal computer is hacked.
|
To protect your work data, use a separate computer for work and personal business. |
Without a proper backup system in place, important data can be lost if an employee's computer is lost, stolen, or damaged. To protect your data, make sure you have a reliable backup system in place. And, if possible, keep your backups in a separate location from your primary computer.
|
Request an external hard drive from your employer and schedule automatic backups (preferably when you’re not working). |
Without the physical security measures in place at an office location, remote employees may not have proper safeguards in place for their devices and the sensitive information they access. Additionally, without the oversight of IT professionals on-site, employees may be more likely to fall for phishing scams or accidentally download malware.
Having a remote managed services provider (MSP) mitigates these risks by providing secure network connections and educating employees on best practices for data security. They also monitor for and quickly address any potential threats to prevent major damage to the company's systems and reputation.
A remote MSP is a third-party company that offers IT support and management for a business's technology infrastructure remotely. This includes network monitoring, data backup, software updates, and cybersecurity measures. Think of an MSP as work-from-home tech support.
Using a remote MSP greatly benefits a company during times when employees are working remotely. The provider ensures that all devices and networks are properly secured against cyber threats, as well as regularly updating software to prevent vulnerabilities. They also provide technical support for employees working remotely, allowing the business to continue operating efficiently without having to hire an in-house IT team.
In short, utilizing a remote managed services provider helps keep a company's sensitive data safe and secure while allowing their employees to work remotely.
A managed services provider gives you the peace of mind that your remote employees are working in a secure and compliant environment. With the help of an MSP, you can create custom work-from-home security policies and procedures to ensure that your data is safe. In addition, an MSP provides 24/7 support for your remote employees.
If you're looking for a way to keep your company safe, consider using a managed services provider. Omnis Technologies has helped small and mid-sized businesses stay safe while getting the most out of their technology for more than 20 years.
Click the image below to sign up for a free IT security assessment.