Work from Home Cybersecurity for Small Business Owners

Remote work has completely changed how we work. It gives employees the flexibility they want and helps businesses save on costs—what’s not to love? But with more people working from home, ensuring secure remote working has become a major cybersecurity challenge we can’t afford to ignore.

When employees access sensitive company information from home, small businesses and their IT teams should consider to step up and ensure strong cybersecurity at home to support secure remote work.

What are some ways you can step up? In this article, we’ll walk you through simple, effective ways to keep your remote team safe from cyber threats. From best practices to tech solutions and building a culture of security.

Why The Need for Cybersecurity in Home Offices  

While working from home offers convenience, it also expands an organization's attack surface, making businesses more vulnerable. Cyber attackers often manipulate poorly secured home networks, outdated devices, and untrained employees to access sensitive data. 

According to a report by Varonis, a staggering 20% of data breaches in 2022 were linked to remote work vulnerabilities.  

For business owners, protecting remote work setups is a way to protect sensitive data and a critical step toward maintaining client trust and adhering to regulations like GDPR (General Data Proteciton Regulation).  

Now, here's how to ensure cybersecurity at home for yourself and your team. 

Establishing a Secure Home Office 

Strengthening remote workforce security begins with setting up a secure home office. Tackling network configurations and device management are one of the key strategies for addressing the most common vulnerabilities. 

1. Network Security 

With more employees working remotely than ever before, remote employee cybersecurity has become a top priority – starting with a secure home network. A dependable network is the foundation of any remote security strategy and plays a critical role in protecting sensitive company data.

So, how can you ensure your home setup supports strong cybersecurity practices?

Here are some ways you can encourage employees to strengthen it

• Use strong, unique passwords: Protecting Wi-Fi networks with complex passwords that include a mix of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols is crucial. Change default passwords immediately after setting up your router. 
• Enable WPA3 encryption: Opt for routers and devices that support WPA3 encryption, the most secure protocol for wireless networks. 
• Secure router settings: Set up a guest network for family or visitors and disable the "remote management" feature to reduce exposure to external threats. 
  
  

2. Physical and Device Security 

When it comes to remote work, your team’s home-office devices aren’t just personal tools – they’re valuable company resources. How they’re managed, maintained, and protected can have a big impact on your business operations. 

Here are a couple of ways to improve device protection as part of your overall remote work security strategy with your remote employees:

• Company-approved devices only: Supply your remote workforce security with dedicated laptops and mobile devices that include pre-configured security settings. This reduces the risk of personal device vulnerabilities. 
• Lock devices when unattended: Encourage team members to password-protect screens and lock devices when stepping away from their workspace. Privacy screens can also prevent shoulder-surfing by unauthorized individuals. 
  
  

3. Software and Data Protection 

Take the right precautions to keep your devices running smoothly and your data protected. By implementing a few key measures, you can ensure secure data flow and maintain optimal device performance. 

Here’s how you can stay one step ahead:

• Antivirus software: Equip all devices with up-to-date antivirus programs to detect and neutralize evolving threats. 
• Virtual private networks (VPNs): A VPN encrypts internet traffic, hiding it from potential hackers. Ensure employees use a company VPN whenever accessing internal systems. 

Following these steps can help make your employees' remote workspaces much more secure.

Cybersecurity Best Practices for Remote Workers 

Advanced technology is great for staying safe from cyber threats, but it’s not enough on its own. 

To stay protected, businesses need to help their employees develop smart cybersecurity habits and give them the right tools.

Here are three habits to help protect your business: 

1. Password Management 

In today’s digital world, protecting your online accounts is more important than ever. Strong passwords are your first line of defense against cyber attackers.

Here are two ways to protect your online accounts: 

• Create strong, unique passwords: Avoid predictable passwords like "password123." Instead, create passwords with random phrases or use tools that generate secure combinations. 
• Use password managers: Encourage employees to adopt password managers like Dashlane or 1Password. These tools securely store credentials and auto-generate strong passwords.

2. Preventing Phishing & Social Engineering 

When it comes to cybersecurity, even the best tech defenses can’t save the day if people make mistakes. Cyber criminals know this and are quick to take advantage.

These are some recommended methods to prevent phishing and social engineering: 

• Training for phishing recognition: Supply employees with training materials or videos that teach them how to spot phishing attempts. They should question the legitimacy of unexpected emails or suspicious attachments. 
• The SLAM method: Help employees assess email security using the SLAM method—check for discrepancies in Sender, Links, Attachments, and Message content. 
  
  

3. Regular Updates and Good Cyber Hygiene 

Outdated systems aren’t just inconvenient—they’re an open invitation for attackers. When your software and tools aren’t current, they create vulnerabilities that hackers can easily exploit. Staying current isn’t just about performance; it’s about keeping your data and systems safe.

Keep company records and systems secure with these ongoing practices:

• Ensure regular software updates: Outdated apps and operating systems are prime targets for hackers. Enable automatic updates where possible. 
• Encourage data backups: Implement regular backups to retrieve files in case of accidental deletions or ransomware attacks. Use secure cloud-based platforms whenever feasible. 
• Promote secure cloud storage: Tools like Google Drive or OneDrive, equipped with advanced security features, can streamline data sharing while mitigating risks. 

When best cybersecurity practices become part of daily routines, individuals are better equipped to protect both personal and corporate data.

Creating a Culture of Cybersecurity Awareness 

With remote work becoming the norm, staying secure isn’t just about having the right tech in place – it’s about creating a culture of awareness. Technology alone cannot ensure secure remote working, it requires a company-wide commitment. 

Having a proactive approach to cybersecurity awareness builds stronger defenses. Here are a couple of ways we suggest on staying vigilant and secure: 

1. Regular Training and Education 

Frequent training ensures employees are informed about the latest cybersecurity risks.

• Interactive training sessions: Host quarterly webinars or workshops illustrating real-world cyber threats and how to avoid them. Platforms like PhishingBox offer structured and engaging training programs. 
• Omnis resources: Services like Omnis offer comprehensive cybersecurity training tailored for small businesses. Consider utilizing their programs as part of your ongoing strategy. 
  
  

2. Clear Policies and Procedures 

Well-defined policies provide clarity for your team. 

These are a few recommendations to help you hit the ground running:

• Document cybersecurity protocols: Draft instructions for remote workers on device usage, data sharing, and incident reporting. 
• Conduct regular audits: Schedule periodic checks to identify weaknesses or lapses in remote work setups. Update strategies as new threats emerge. 

When employees understand both the "how" and "why" of cybersecurity, they’re more likely to adopt

Stay Vigilant and Secure 

The move toward remote work has shifted how businesses think about cybersecurity. By prioritizing network security, good cyber hygiene, and team education, businesses can stay ahead of cyber threats while enhancing productivity in dispersed work environments. 

Small business owners, IT managers, or consultants like you have the unique opportunity to lead this transformation. By incorporating some of these proven strategies, you'll strengthen remote workforce security, creating a resilient team that earns client trust and boosts employee confidence.

Get Started with Omnis Technologies

Ready to secure your remote workforce? Omnis Technologies offers tailored work from home cybersecurity solutions to protect your business and boost productivity. 

Start protecting your business today with these steps, or contact us today to connect with a trusted cybersecurity expert to ensure you're ready for tomorrow’s challenges.