Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies are exploring the option of allowing their employees to work from home. While this can be a great way to keep your workforce healthy and productive, it is essential to take safety precautions to ensure that your business is safe from online threats. Here are a few tips to help you keep your business safe when offering remote working options to your employees:
1. Have a secure VPN in place
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) will encrypt all of the data sent between your company’s network and the employee’s device. This will make it much more difficult for hackers to eavesdrop on the traffic and steal sensitive information. When choosing a VPN, be sure to select one with a strong encryption protocol and a reputable provider. Look for reviews from other businesses to find a good provider.
2. Use Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an important security measure that requires users to verify their identity using two different factors, such as a password and additional security questions. This makes it much harder for hackers to access accounts, even if they have the password. Many businesses use 2FA for their email and social media accounts, but it is also a good idea to use it for any other accounts that contain sensitive information.
3. Educate your employees on cybersecurity
Make sure your employees are aware of the dangers of cybercrime and how to protect themselves. Teach them about the importance of using strong passwords, not sharing passwords with others, and only downloading apps from trusted sources. You should also have a policy in place for reporting suspicious activity. By educating your employees on cybersecurity, you can make your business much less susceptible to attacks.
4. Use MDM solutions
MDM or Mobile Device Management solutions can help you secure and manage the devices that your employees use to access company data. With this measure, you can remotely lock or wipe a device if it is lost or stolen. You can also push updates and security patches to devices and restrict which apps can be installed. This can help you keep your business safe from mobile threats.
5. Use security software
There are many different types of security software available, and it is important to choose the right one for your business. Antivirus software can protect against malware and viruses, while a firewall can help to block unwanted traffic. Consider what types of threats your business is most vulnerable to, and choose software that will address those threats.
6. Back up your data
Backing up your data is an important part of protecting your business from cyber threats. If your data is lost or destroyed, you will be able to restore it from a backup. Some businesses keep a local backup, while others use cloud-based solutions. Choose a backup method that is right for your business and make sure to test it regularly to ensure that it is working properly.
7. Stay up to date on security threats
It is important to stay up to date on the latest security threats so that you can protect your business from them. Subscribe to security newsletters and follow industry news sources to stay informed about the latest threats. You can also use security intelligence tools to monitor the activity on your network and identify potential threats.
8. Have a plan in place
If cybercriminals attack your business, it is important to have a plan in place so that you can respond quickly and effectively. This plan should include steps for identifying the attack, containment, and recovery. By having a plan in place, you can minimize the damage caused by a cyberattack and get your business back up and running as quickly as possible.
9. Consider insurance
Cyber insurance can help to protect your business from the financial damages caused by a cyberattack. This type of insurance can cover the cost of data breaches, cyber extortion, and other types of attacks. When choosing an insurance policy, make sure to read the fine print and understand what is covered.
10. Review your policies and procedures
Make sure that your policies and procedures are up to date and relevant to the current threat landscape. Review them regularly and make changes as needed. By having strong policies and procedures in place, you can help to protect your business from cyber threats.
As businesses become increasingly reliant on technology, they become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Cybercrime is a growing problem, and it can be costly, especially when you have employees working remotely. By taking simple precautions such as having a secure VPN, using MDM solutions, and backing up your data, you can help to protect your business from these threats.
