Last version published: 07/07/2020 12:39
Publication number: ELQ-16136-2
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How to apply cybersecurity to your remote work
4 cybersecurity recommendations to apply to your remote work to ensure data security.
Introduction
The fight against the spread of coronavirus and the recently introduced lockdown measures forced businesses to implement remote working where possible, in order to guarantee continuity of daily operations🏠 👨🏽💻.
Whilst some companies are used to this way of working, they know the best practices related to remote work and own the means necessary to implement it on a large scale, others (such as micro, small and medium businesses) are not well–equipped to deal with this new situation🗣👀. As a result, they find themselves completely lost. What is more, they may experience cybersecurity issues and are more vulnerable to cyberattacks🔓.
Indeed, remote work is not risk-free. In order to avoid issues regarding data security, here are a few tips and precautions you should take✅.
Risks linked to remote working:
Cybercriminals never sleep❌. It’s no wonder that with the COVID-19 outbreak and the popularization of remote work model that followed, the European Union Agency for Cyber Security announced an increase in the number of reported cyberattacks (mostly in the form of phishing through coronavirus related emails)📈❗️.
Studies by Symantec have revealed that 86% of surveyed employees use their personal devices for professional activity and 42% of them do not update regularly their antivirus and safety systems. The development of remote work, if inadequately implemented, may cause real security problems for businesses, such as🔽:
• Loss or leakage of data,
• Contamination of the company system due to a security breach into an employee’s device (or vice versa).
The higher the number of remote workers in the company, the higher the chances of experiencing cyberattack attempts📊. In order to minimize the risk, businesses should put in place concrete measures and relevant technical solutions💡.
- Step n°1 |
Use enterprise owned computers
In order to ensure the most secure conditions of remote work, your employees should avoid using their personal IT devices to perform professional tasks📱🚫.
In fact, to guarantee data security, it is necessary that remote workers use enterprise owned computers which are already equipped with security software and essential protections🔐. A personal computer, even if with an antivirus installed, will not be able to withstand powerful cyberattacks and may jeopardize company data🚫.
