Tougher Cybersecurity Measures Required To Protect Remote Work Environments

Around 85% of organizations classify cybersecurity as an extremely important consideration, much more so than it was prior to the current global health crisis – as found in recent research published by Cisco. The main problems for remote working teams, the report found, include secure access, with one in two organizations reporting that the use of laptops and other mobile devices are posing major security threats. The good news is that around 66% of those surveyed are making significantly larger investments in cybersecurity. How strong are current organizations in the U.S. when it comes to withstanding threats posed by remote working, and what protocols and technologies can help them stay secure?

A Lack Of Basic Protocols

A recent survey by Visual Objects showed that around 34% of full-time employees of U.S. companies are not practicing basic cybersecurity protocols. Employees working remotely need to be trained in subjects such as phishing awareness, the use of secure WiFi networks, and two-factor authentication. The reason, found the researchers, is reticence on the part of executives to invest in technology in tough economic times. As stated by IT experts CoreTech, however, cybersecurity training is more vital now than ever, and those who may have small budgets are actually the ones who should worry the most. Some 62% of all cyber attacks, after all, are carried out on small and medium businesses. Cyber security training for employees should be considered a pillar of safeguarding one’s business.

New Tech In Cybersecurity For Remote Workers

Increasing Cloud and SaaS adoption, spurred on by the advancement of the pandemic, has reinforced the need for cutting-edge technology for remote working teams. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one approach that is stepping up the game, with its ability to uncover cyber attacks at a considerably faster velocity than human beings. AI works in twofold manner when it comes to cybersecurity. It identifies unusual patterns of use, but also questions its own findings. ‘AI Analyst technology’ essentially allows the technology to launch a complete investigation into recent activities on a network. During this investigation, a cyber analyst uncovers the nature, causes, and seriousness of a threat. It generates hypotheses regarding how the threat could have occurred, gathering and sifting through impressive amounts of data. Finally, it completes a report that summarizes key information regarding the attack, enabling managers to take decisive action.

The Importance Of Virtual Private Networks

In addition to staff training, the establishment of two-factor authentication systems, and specifications regarding the use of cloud or web-based storage software approved by the company, organizations should also rely on the security of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Any employee connecting to the network should do so via the use of this VPN, since it protects both the business and the end user, ensuring hackers cannot access sensitive data. This is achieved via SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or IPsec (International Protocol Security), which encrypts information sent from all remote machines.

The big boom in remote work has led to a corresponding need for tighter cyber security protocols for remote teams. These should include specified storage methods, two-factor authentication, staff training, and the adoption of new technologies such as AI to identify any threats. Finally, all workers connecting to the organization’s network should do so via VPN, to ensure data is duly encrypted.