Small businesses today are embracing remote working as a way of saving resourcing and promoting productivity. However, while working from home has its perks, it can expose a small business to cybersecurity threats. Studies show that 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses. The circumstances that surround remote working can accelerate these figures. Thus, before you adopt this model in your business, it's crucial to be savvy of the following tips to protect your business firm from phishing and malicious attacks.
Invest in Secure Work Computers
One mistake that many business owners make is letting workers use personal computers and other digital devices for business-related work. This can pose a threat in the following ways:
- Personal computers may have outdated software and hardware which is vulnerable to cyber attacks
- Individuals are more likely to click on phishing emails and malicious links on personal devices
- Shared personal devices may expose sensitive and private business data to malicious family members
- Data security breaches may occur if personal computers or mobile phones get stolen
Before adopting a remote working model, it's crucial to invest in secure work computers and mobile devices for your workers. Install up-to-date software and hardware, antivirus solutions, and anti-phishing software to protect company data. Update network security regularly to create a defense against external threats.
Invest in Virtual Private Network (VPN) Services
When working from your business facility, you can secure the network that workers connect to when undertaking business projects. However, when people work remotely, this becomes impossible. They can connect to public or insecure networks, which inevitably exposes your business data to breach. In this case, consider installing VPN solutions on your work laptops. Virtual private networks create secure, encrypted tunnels between the remote network and server.
This makes it hard for scammers to intercept information flowing between the user's computer and the server. Encourage the use of VPNs when using unsecured networks such as public Wi-Fis. When choosing a VPN provider, make sure they can handle the number of work computers you have issued to your workers. Also, the software should be compatible with other devices that workers may use, such as mobile phones and tablets.
Set Up Remote Cybersecurity Policies
Setting up cybersecurity policies can help discourage risky behavior that may expose company data to scammers and cybercriminals. Some important policies and rules include the following:
- Forbid access of business-related information on personal or shared devices
- Encourage daily backups to a cloud-based solution to avoid loss of data due to a local ransomware attack
- Employ secure file sharing solutions to prevent data leaks
- Institute protocols and an emergency plan for handling network breaches
Sensitize all remote workers on these policies and cybersecurity issues to ensure they are well-equipped to protect data when working from home.
Managing network security can be a difficult task to undertake on your own. Consider employing managed cybersecurity services to protect your small business from cyber threats.
One of the toughest things about living and working in the technology age is keeping your data secure. Your company's data includes not only sensitive information about your company's products and development, but also about your customers and clients. I have always had a fascination with technology and network security, so I made it my mission to understand it inside and out. It allowed me to keep my home and business networks secure, and to help my friends with similar issues. I created this site to share tips and tricks for other business owners to do the same thing. I hope that the information here helps others to protect their interest through the implementation of adequate security measures.