With the number of remote employees on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic, the modern workplace has seen dramatic transformations, but do these transformations pose a threat, and more importantly, are remote employees a cyber threat?
Pros & Cons of Remote Employees
The New Remote Working Landscape
Before remote work became widespread, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most companies operated within a controlled environment where employees used company-owned devices and accessed secure, internal networks.
IT Security teams could monitor activity, ensure compliance, and respond swiftly to threats. However, the remote work model disrupts this setup. Employees now access sensitive data from personal devices on public Wi-Fi networks outside the protective bubble of internal security.
Hackers no longer need to breach well-defended corporate systems but can target individual employees who might have weaker or even no security measures. Through phishing attacks, malware, or unsecured connections, remote employees are often seen as the weakest link in a business’s security.
Common Risks of Using Remote Employees
If you’re worried about using remote employees, there are a few risks that you should consider addressing before moving to a remote workforce.
Phishing Attacks
Remote employees are often more susceptible to phishing attempts. Employees may unintentionally click on malicious links or provide sensitive information when outside of the office and not within walking distance of the person being impersonated.
According to a recent study, phishing attacks increased dramatically since the onset of widespread remote work following the pandemic, with attackers often posing as company executives or IT personnel.
When outside the office, additional security tools that work regardless of location must be in place to help prevent damage, even if someone clicks a link. For example, a common attack is to set up a new website that impersonates a real one, such as a bank, and then trick a user into logging into the fake bank website. Having a remote security tool that filters out newly registered domains can stop this type of attack before the new website is flagged as bad.
Network Security
Most remote workers use their personal Wi-Fi networks or public wifi, which might have a different level of protection than corporate networks and may be more easily breached. Data and login information can be at risk if they are not protected by a VPN.
Personal Devices
In remote work settings, a personal device may be used for business purposes. These devices may not have up-to-date antivirus software, firewalls, or encryption measures, making them more vulnerable to malware, ransomware, or other cyberattacks.
If you’re considering using a remote workforce, you might want to consider supplying them with company hardware and requiring regular health checks to improve your IT security.
Weak Passwords
With employees accessing company data from multiple devices and locations, enforcing strong password policies becomes critical. Many workers continue to use weak passwords or reuse them across different platforms, increasing the likelihood of account breaches.
When possible, you might want to consider adding biometric security to reduce the impact of weak passwords from remote workers.
Insider Threats
While external threats get the most attention, insider threats are a real concern. Remote work can sometimes lead to oversight, making it harder to detect malicious activity from within the organization.
Disgruntled employees or those who are careless with data handling can pose serious risks to an organization’s security. New hires should be fully vetted with background checks and verifications before giving them access to organization resources.
Reducing the Risks of Remote Working
While it’s clear that remote working comes with its own set of cybersecurity challenges, they can be solved with the right approach.
The real issue lies in the security protocols (or lack thereof) that organizations have in place to support remote work. Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take to help reduce the risks associated with remote workers.
Zero Trust Architecture
Instead of assuming trust inside a network, the Zero Trust model assumes that every device and user, whether inside or outside the network, must be verified before access is granted. You typically wouldn’t let a stranger into your house without knowing who they are. This is a similar approach. Verify, and then trust.
Regular Cybersecurity Training
Human error remains one of the most common causes of data breaches. Providing remote employees with regular training on cybersecurity best practices, recognizing phishing attempts, and using secure communication channels can help mitigate risks. Phishing tests can be helpful in training your team to recognize when an email message is phishing. Those who fall for the phishing test can be enrolled in additional training or a “spot the phish” training game to help them in the future. It is better for someone to have to spend a few minutes in training than jeopardize the entire organization.
Using VPNs
VPNs create an encrypted connection between the user’s device and the company’s network, providing a layer of protection against unauthorized access. Forcing remote employees to use a VPN can secure data transmission over less secure home or public networks. Company resources should be inaccessible without first connecting to the VPN.
Health Checks and Updates
Running regular security health checks on remote employees’ hardware can ensure that there are no security holes that need to be plugged.
By running regular updates, you can ensure that remote employees have the latest software, which often includes security patches, helping to keep your business safe. The longer a vulnerability remains unpatched, the more likely an attacker will take advantage of it.
Summary
Ultimately, the challenge of handling remote workers can be solved with the right planning. Businesses can enjoy the benefits of a remote workforce while minimizing their exposure to cybersecurity risks.
By shifting the conversation from “Are remote employees a cyber threat?” to “How can we secure our remote employees?” organizations can embrace the flexibility and opportunities that remote work offers without sacrificing security.
