What Are the Cybersecurity Risks of Working From Home?

Many of us rushed to remote or hybrid work arrangements once the pandemic hit, with little time to worry about the ins and outs. Now that we’ve had time to adjust, it’s good to analyze your company’s setup and even understand the cybersecurity risk of working from home. That way, you’ll be able to address any concerns head-on and protect your organization!

4 Security Risks of Remote Working

In 2023, a notable 72 percent of security and IT management professionals expressed strong or moderate concern about the security risks of remote employee work. While this is not a complete list of cybersecurity risks, here are four common concerns.

1. Network Vulnerability

One of the biggest cybersecurity risks remote employees face is their internet connection. While it’s impossible to account for every single employee’s network, home networks are typically less secure than corporate or business ones. Less security means more vulnerability to cyber threats and a higher likelihood that hackers could gain access to company data.

2. Mixed Use of Business and Personal Devices

It can be tempting to use the same device for work and personal use. However, although it may not seem like a big deal, sending personal emails from your work phone or accessing corporate accounts from your personal computer is a major security hazard. Work devices are typically equipped with special security software that your own devices may not have. Additionally, even if you believe your devices are secure, it’s best to avoid accidentally sharing sensitive information with the wrong people.

3. Phishing Attacks

Phishing scams have always been around, but cybercriminals are becoming more and more clever as the digital landscape evolves. Remote workers, in particular, are at a higher risk of falling prey to phishing email attacks. Since they heavily rely on email and online communication, deceptive attempts are likely to go unnoticed in their high volume of messages.

4. Expanded Attack Surfaces

From video conferencing to cloud storage, remote working involves a variety of technologies. With each additional technology, the number of endpoints, devices, and software applications that need to be secured also increases. This expanded attack surface offers cybercriminals more entry points and vulnerabilities to exploit.

Remote Work Security Best Practices

Fortunately, in the age of remote work, there’s no need to leave your organization’s cybersecurity to chance. Whether your employees are working from home, a coffee shop, or any other remote location, these best practices can help bolster your business’s overall security:

• Avoid using public networks
• Use a VPN
• Only use company-issues devices or follow security regulations for BYOD policies
• Download antivirus software to protect against the latest security threats
• Encrypt sensitive data for additional security
• Regularly take part in cybersecurity awareness training

These practices are just the starting points to proper protection. Need help taking your cybersecurity efforts to the next level? Warwick Communications has a team of IT professionals who can provide you with a full suite of cybersecurity solutions. Contact us today to discuss.