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Understanding Cybersecurity Risks in the Era of Remote Work
Jamie Finch
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February 7, 2024
The pandemic caused millions of people to start working from home. And while this approach to working has its benefits, it also has downsides, including the potential security risks.
The shift in work dynamics has resulted in a surge of cybersecurity and remote working incidents as more individuals work from remote devices. These devices, such as laptops, will often contain sensitive information that helps to make them targets. The potential outcomes of such incidents can range from losing personal information to high-end classified data.
Remote work security challenges
New cybersecurity remote work security challenges are always emerging as bad-faith actors look for new ways to bypass security and access your machine. It is wise to always try to be alert to any potential threats and recognise security methods that can help prevent them.
Some of the most common cybersecurity threats associated with remote working include:
Phishing scams
Phishing scams involve trying to obtain details like passwords to gain access to computers and online platforms. A common variety will try to convince you to hand over important information by pretending to be from a business you have worked with. Sophisticated phishing scams can be convincing at first, even to experienced users, but the latest cybersecurity and remote working technologies will identify phishing scams and protect you against falling victim.
Malware
Malware is an umbrella term for harmful software installed onto your machine. Once installed, such software can perform actions ranging from recording keystrokes to downloading data from your machine. The latest online security tools identify malware and remove it from your machine, and it is essential to enable automatic software updates to keep ahead of potential threats. Malware can give others free access to details on your machine and cause performance issues.
Device theft
Laptops are prone to theft, potentially giving others full access to your details if they can access your machine. Laptops are often targeted for the information they contain and for the value of the machine itself. Some security systems will lock down your machine, making it inaccessible to anybody without the appropriate clearance.
Visual data theft
The latest laptops give remote workers the flexibility to work in coffee shops and other public places. While this may be comfortable for the worker, it makes sensitive data more exposed to spying from somebody sitting close by. As such, it pays to be extra vigilant when working in a public place around other people, and it is best to try to work in a secluded booth if possible.
Careless use
Many cybersecurity and remote working incidents of data loss or theft are avoidable. For example, many people choose not to use security features like login passwords, making their machines easier to access. Alternatively, they might be careless when thinking of a password and use one that is easy to guess. If you’re a worker then you should take the time to ensure all safety measures are active, while employers should provide necessary training.
Insecure networks
Secure networks ensure that only authorised people can access the data stream feeding your machine. If you don’t use a secure network, you run the risk of bad-faith actors accessing the stream and knowing about everything you do online. Workplace networks tend to be very secure, but the same cannot be said for many public networks, so it can pay to check whether you’re using a secure network.
Cybersecurity solutions
Cybersecurity companies have developed an arsenal of tools that help them detect and defeat any cybersecurity threats. For example, some solutions create an almost impossible barrier for hackers to overcome. Others use advanced tools that help protect against threats like viruses, and cybersecurity solutions include physical protective devices.
Below are some of the most common solutions available for remote work security:
Login passwords
Login passwords are among the crudest of cybersecurity measures, and also one of the most effective. Remember that it’s always important to use a password that would be difficult to guess and you should change passwords regularly.
Some laptops come with fingerprint sensors that can identify individuals by their fingerprints. Just place your finger on the pad and the machine will automatically unlock for you, providing convenience as well as security.
You will probably need to set up your machine to make such security measures active, and it’s recommended to do so as soon as possible.
Multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication is a simple and effective way to prevent unauthorised people from gaining access to your machine. This security measure involves using a smartphone to which your computer will send a confirmation code. As such, your laptop can only be accessed by whoever has your phone.
Multi-factor authentication can be used to help protect devices overall, while it is often also used on websites. This is particularly the case for banks and other businesses that process money and other valuables.
Anti-malware software
You will find a wide range of anti-malware software to keep you safe online. In most cases, anti-malware uses a database to identify risks and remove them. The database and software are usually often updated online, keeping your protection up to date with the latest threats. In many cases, it can be easy to forget the software is even there, but it is helping to keep you safe as you browse and exchange information.
Other examples of anti-malware protection include HP Sure Start, which helps to protect your BIOS from attack. HP Sure Start prevents unauthorized changes to the bios and firmware and will automatically heal after an attempted attack, adding another level of protection.
Face recognition technology
Webcams are common nowadays as more people use them for remote working and keeping in touch with family. Not only does webcam technology provide clearer images today, but it has also developed numerous tools that help you get more done.
Such tools include facial recognition technology. You can then protect your machine against unauthorised users by ensuring everybody must confirm their identity visually before gaining access.
HP Sure View
HP Sure View helps remote workers overcome the risk of having data stolen visually. For example, if you’re working in a coffee shop then other people in the vicinity might be able to steal information directly from your screen. In many cases, the perpetrator could be located on either side of you, trying to act normal.
HP Sure View works with help from a screen that redirects all light particles so they travel forward. As such, anybody sitting in your periphery will see a blank screen, keeping your data safe from prying eyes.
Challenges in maintaining cybersecurity
Maintaining effective cybersecurity measures can be challenging and a single flaw could leave you prone to costly breaches. Below are some of the most common challenges businesses face in maintaining cybersecurity.
In-depth training required
Such are the risks posed by potential security breaches that it pays to have highly skilled security technicians who can help protect against the latest threats. Not only that, but it’s also wise to give all employees some awareness training to help prevent accidents.
This training can be costly, but you could stand to lose much more without the investment. Fortunately for smaller businesses, skilled cybersecurity personnel are not usually necessary.
Financial investment required
Ensuring your cybersecurity is up to date will often require investment in the latest hardware and software. It’s also important for professionals to invest in the latest technology to ensure you are protected from new threats. Fortunately, such technology is so effective that you could recoup your financial outlay many times over.
Individuals will also sometimes need to invest in a laptop or other device. The latest devices typically come with the latest cybersecurity hardware, helping small businesses to keep safe.
Keeping up with evolving threats
Anti-malware platforms and other security measures are in a constant battle of evolution with bad-faith actors. This makes it necessary to keep up with the latest cybersecurity developments.
As mentioned, software-based security measures will often update automatically to give you the latest protection. However, you might also need to invest in new hardware as new threats emerge.
Summary
Cybersecurity is as important as ever before. Many of our work tasks and day-to-day chores are carried out via the internet, which has helped make many aspects of life much easier. However, this transformation has also brought risks with it.
Numerous cybersecurity companies have developed complex defences that help keep your machine safe against all threats. Above are some of the most common remote work security threats and available solutions.
Remember that one of the most important security measures anybody can take are adequate precautions that will help make your machine impenetrable for others. For example, it is advisable to use complex passwords which are impossible to guess, while you should also remember to use services like multifactor authentication.
