Businesses face a growing cybersecurity threat as the number of remote workers and digitally distributed services keeps increasing. There have been more cyberattacks against remote workers due to the surge in freelancing and telecommuting. 

Remote workers now often face data vulnerabilities due to cybersecurity concerns. Criminals operating online are actively seeking victims for phishing schemes that can use against unsuspecting employees.

There are several contributors to the cyber security hazards associated with remote work and various measures companies may take to mitigate these dangers. In this article, we’ll examine some potential threats that remote workers face. 

Common Security Risks of Remote Working

Remote employees might pose the greatest danger to the security of your network, putting your company’s data at risk. Remote work can result in data breaches, identity theft, and many other bad outcomes.

Here are some of the security threats that businesses face while employees are working remotely:

Email Scams

Phishing attacks pose the most significant cyber risk for employees in distant locations. Typically conducted via email, phishing schemes have their targets believe they are communicating with a trusted party before providing their login credentials or other sensitive information. This data can then be used for unauthorized access, identity theft, and other malicious purposes.

It’s particularly true when phishing emails bypass security measures and go right to an employee’s primary inbox. You can also illustrate the growing sophistication of this kind of cyberattack.

Using unsecured public networks to access data files

Many telecommuters compromise the security of the workplace because they access company data over unsecured public networks or personal wireless networks. It also makes it easier for hackers to intercept or steal data that you consider private. 

For these and other reasons, several businesses require remote workers to always connect to the internet over a VPN.

Personal devices used for work

Many remote employees, mainly if they use their computers for work, also use those devices for personal business. Many companies require remote staff to use their own devices.

The risk this poses is that employees can save confidential information on their computers, storing it without any protection. If that employee leaves the company or has no up-to-date security software installed on the device, this could lead to a security breach.

That’s why it’s crucial to establish a comprehensive strategy for remote workers that covers cybersecurity best practices.

Weak security passwords

Some employees choose feeble or predictable passwords for their accounts and applications, putting the entire organization’s security at risk—even when additional security measures such as VPNs are employed. 

One example is people who use the same password for all their accounts; if a cybercriminal compromises one account, they can access many other linked accounts. 

Unencrypted file sharing

Since most businesses understand the need to protect data at rest within their network, they should pay more attention to the importance of doing so while it is in transit.

Since your employees regularly exchange sensitive information like client account details, company files, and more, you must take precautions to prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to this data. Intercepted sensitive corporate data may lead to identity theft, ransomware, theft, and other crimes.

Webcam Hacking

When workers are allowed to work from home, they commonly participate in teleconferences and video chats requiring them to use their cameras. Unfortunately, crafty cybercriminals can access their webcam, violating their privacy rights illegally. Furthermore, if they leave sensitive papers lying about the workplace, attackers may be able to view them if they hijack the company’s camera and access it remotely.

Threats everywhere

Teleconferences and video chats are widespread forms of remote business communication that require a camera. Cybercriminals that are very deft at what they do may access their camera and unlawfully spy on them. Moreover, if they carelessly leave sensitive documents lying around the office, attackers may be able to see them by remotely accessing the company’s camera.

People nearby could also pose a threat. Yes, you read it correctly. While most of us believe that the people we live with are trustworthy, from the company’s perspective, the staff homes are places without trust. Private conversations may now be overheard, and displays and monitors in living rooms throughout the globe display intellectual property.

That’s why you should have security software solutions available at your home that can help your remote work setup avoiding cyber threats that may affect your tasks. Trend Micro Maximum Security is a trustworthy security product and the most recent multi-device protection software suited for home use.

Final Thoughts

Remote work may be perceived as efficient and advantageous for both employer and employee, but numerous security hazards are associated with working off-site. Particularly true about cyber security. 

Therefore, businesses must be aware of the hazards involved with remote work to devise solutions and avoid these threats. An everyday awareness of risks and solutions, which should be clearly outlined in a remote work policy, benefits employers and workers. It helps workers understand their duties and responsibilities and the ramifications of noncompliance or security breaches. 

With Trend Micro Maximum Security, you get an all-encompassing digital security suite that is designed with the specific requirements of small businesses in mind.

Softvire Software Store has the best and most trusted cybersecurity software for your home, office, or business needs. Visit our store now and enjoy 20–30% discounts on every purchase!

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