Since the 2020 pandemic, working from home has become the norm for millions of people around the world. Even since the pandemic has begun to fade, and the necessity of working from home has ceased, many businesses still offer a more flexible working situation for their employees. It has many benefits but also comes with potential cyber risks. Hearing there are cyber risks to working remotely might seem a little daunting if you often work remotely and aren’t aware of what the risks are, but we’re here to inform you about the key cyber security threats and how best to avoid them.

 

So, what are the key cyber security risks of working remotely? There are many different security risks when working remotely including unsecured home network connection, employees not spotting scams, weak passwords, phishing attacks and unencrypted file sharing. Each security risk poses different problems.

 

Read on to learn about the cyber risks and how they can be reduced with 777 Networks.

What are the Cyber Security Risks Of Working Remotely?

Cyber security refers to a range of processes and protocols that businesses use in order to  reduce their threat of cyber attacks. Often, businesses place a large focus on on-site office equipment and networks, but how do remote workers fare? Is their equipment at risk? Below are just a few ways in which remote workers are at risk of cyber attacks.

Risk 1 Unsecure Home Network Connection

Employees may be on the ball with keeping up to date on device updates, but updates on home router software are often forgotten about. If a personal router isn’t updated on a regular basis, they are prone to weak security, which can result in data breaches.

Risk 2 Employees Don’t Always Spot Scams

One of the most common cyber security risks today is employees’ lack of knowledge on cybercriminals. So, they unintentionally give them access to company files by posing as trusted employees. Cybercriminals are always adapting and improving their ways to scam employees  and steal its data.

Risk 3 Weak Passwords

When it comes to working from home, you may be aware that your business uses a VPN. But even if a business uses this, it may still be at risk due to weak passwords.  Before attempting to hack the tight security of a business’s infrastructure, cybercriminals tend to hack accounts that may have weak passwords first.

Risk 4 Phishing Attacks

These attacks are designed by cyber criminals themselves to fool potential victims to share highly sensitive information, or by downloading viruses onto their devices. This technique they use is a common known fact but when the pandemic hit, these attacks increased massively. 

Risk 5 Unencrypted File Sharing

Companies may not always consider adding file encryption when data is sent from one location to another. Highly sensitive information such as client account information, customer data and financial information cannot afford to be intercepted when they are being shared through the business network. If files are stolen, it can result in identity theft.

 

How Can Risks be Reduced?

To reduce cybersecurity within your organisation, make sure to do the following:

 

Create Data Backups There are three different types of data backups. Full backup, incremental backup and differential backup. The importance of these backups is that it allows them to create a copy of data to be recovered if there was a data failure. This tends to happen if there is a hardware or software failure, a cyber attack, or accidental deletion of the company data.
Full Backup Control Panel> System and Security> Backup and Restore.
Incremental Backup This backup is completed by first completing a full backup, then subsequent incrementals afterward. 
Differential Backup This backup saves only the files that changed since the last full backup.
Regularly Update Security Systems and Software Windows 10 should automatically install Windows & app updates, whilst Windows 11 is also now available to most people. To make sure the software is up-to-date, click the Windows icon, Control Panel, then click System and Security, then Windows Update.
Use Strong and Complex Passwords At least 12 characters, a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, a mixture of letters and numbers and at least one special character, such as ‘!’
Conduct Regular Employee Cyber Attack Training Training should be introduced from day one of employment. Training exercises are extremely beneficial. It reduces the risk of data breaches and helps employees understand any mistakes they are making. All round it is a more effective way of teaching.

Can you be 100% secure whilst working remotely?

Whilst you cant guarantee 100% security, a secure VPN when working remotely is your biggest chance of success. Devices such as laptops, desktops and mobile phones can all be connected to a VPN (Virtual Private Network) which gives employees the opportunity to connect to a protected network wherever they are. This is especially useful when working over public networks such as in a cafe or on a train. 

What Are The Benefits of Using Cyber Security?

Now you understand the reasoning for implementing cyber security and the risks if you don’t, you can read further details on using cyber security benefits through our Benefits of Cyber Security blog. This blog runs through:

  • Improvement of productivity – Investing in cyber security can increase improvement in productivity, due to no interruptions of cyber threats.
  • Company reputation – By implementing cyber security, you can build a strong reputation with clients for being trusted with their data and sensitive information.
  • Saving money – According to CyberCrime Magazine, cybercrime is set to cost the world over $10. 5 trillion per year by 2025. So, save money for your organisation and don’t make those mistakes.

Cyber Security at 777 Networks

At 777 Networks we understand the importance of cyber security. Our team has experience in providing technologies that are designed to protect your network from cyber security threats across your organisation. We offer Cloud Computer Systems, ensuring to keep them running whilst you and your organisation perform important tasks. 

To find out more about how to further reduce cyber attacks, contact a member of our friendly team.

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