Are your remote employees threatening your network security?
Keep reading! Your remote employees can be the biggest threat to your network's security. By unknowingly following cyber security worst practices, employees can end up giving hackers and cyber criminals access to your network and your company's sensitive data.
What are the disadvantages of remote access client devices?
Remote Access Vulnerabilities Remote access client devices generally have weaker protection than standard client devices Many devices not managed by the enterprise No enterprise firewalls, antivirus, etc. Lack of physical security controls Remote access client devices may be used in hostile environments but not configured for them
How can remote access technologies improve employee security awareness?
With multiple secure remote access technologies in place, cybersecurity professionals can maintain a secure web browsing experience that minimizes network exposure to potential security threats or malicious actors. Employee security awareness remains an organization’s biggest security challenge.
How to secure your remote workplace?
The first step is to create a security policy specifically designed for remote workers. 93% of the IT professional interviewed in the OpenVPN study already have a formalized remote work policy in place and this is quite impressive and reassuring. Below are the essential security clauses that should be included in your remote work policy:
What are the security risks associated with remote access?
Many remote access security risks abound, but below is a list of the ones that jump out.Lack of information. ... Password sharing. ... Software. ... Personal devices. ... Patching. ... Vulnerable backups. ... Device hygiene. ... Phishing attacks.
Which of the following are the physical IT security risks of working remotely?
Remote Work Security Risks for EmployeesAccessing Sensitive Data Through Unsafe Wi-Fi Networks. ... Using Personal Devices for Work. ... Ignoring Basic Physical Security Practices in Public Places. ... Email Scams. ... Security Controls Are Weaker. ... Cyberattacks on Remote-working Infrastructure. ... Multi-factor authentication. ... Password Manager.More items...•
How do you keep security when employees work remotely?
Remote Work Security Best PracticesEstablish and enforce a data security policy. ... Equip your employees with the right tools and technology. ... Frequently update your network security systems. ... Regulate the use of personal devices. ... Institute a “Zero Trust” approach. ... Make sure all internet connections are secure.More items...
What is the largest threat to working remotely?
Top Security Risks of Remote WorkingGDPR and remote working. Remote work means an employer has less control and visibility over employees' data security. ... Phishing Emails. ... Weak Passwords. ... Unsecured Home Devices. ... Unencrypted File Sharing. ... Open Home WiFi Networks.
What is the greatest risk that remote access poses to an organization?
The overriding risk of remote access services and software is a hacker gaining deeper access to your organization, exposing you to a host of IT security threats. Once they gain privileged access to your system, it will be difficult to prevent data loss, prevent phishing, protect against ransomware, etc.
Which of these is the most important security precaution you should take when working remotely?
Here are the top remote working security tips to ensure you and your staff are working from home safely.Use antivirus and internet security software at home. ... Keep family members away from work devices. ... Invest in a sliding webcam cover. ... Use a VPN. ... Use a centralized storage solution. ... Secure your home Wi-Fi.More items...
Why is physical security so important to organizations?
Why physical security is important. At its core, physical security is about keeping your facilities, people and assets safe from real-world threats. It includes physical deterrence, detection of intruders, and responding to those threats.
What are examples of remote user security policy best practices?
Best Practices For Remote Access SecurityEnable encryption. ... Install antivirus and anti-malware. ... Ensure all operating systems and applications are up to date. ... Enforce a strong password policy. ... Use Mobile Device Management (MDM) ... Use Virtual Private Network (VPN) ... Use two-factor authentication.More items...•
Why is cybersecurity important for remote employees?
Not only does cybersecurity training protect the company, but it also gives employees the knowledge needed to protect themselves inside and outside of the workplace. Identity theft is one of the most common cyber-attacks among remote workers.
What are the risks of working online?
Top 8 cyber security risks of working from homeUnsecure home network connection. ... More use of online tools. ... Employees can't spot scams. ... Staff lose sight of security concerns. ... Weak passwords. ... Phishing and ransomware. ... Unencrypted file sharing. ... Personal devices.
Does working remote increases cyber security risks?
One of the most significant security risks of remote working is using personal devices to connect to corporate networks and systems. These devices often do not have the same level of cybersecurity as a corporate computer or laptop.
Which of the following is a physical access control?
Common physical access control examples of access points include security gates, turnstiles and door locks. A secure space can have a single access point, like an office inside a larger complex, or many access points.
Which of the following resources can be used to identify specific details about vulnerabilities?
The correct option is CVE national database.
How are USB flash drives a security risk select one?
Q3)How are USB flash drives a security risk? They contain wireless antennas. They have a controller that can be infected. They cannot be encrypted.
Which of the following are examples of technical control?
Firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), encryption, and identification and authentication mechanisms are examples of technical controls.
What are the tools that both regular and remote employees should have installed on their devices?
Here are the fundamental tools that both your regular and remote employees should have installed on their devices: 1. Multi-factor authentication. This type of authentication will act as an additional layer of security on top of your remote employees’ accounts.
What are the essential security clauses that should be included in your remote work policy?
Below are the essential security clauses that should be included in your remote work policy: Clearly define which positions are eligible for remote work. Be transparent towards your employees. Everyone should be aware which job functions are allowed to work remotely are which are not due to security reasons.
What is the first step in remote work?
The first step is to create a security policy specifically designed for remote workers. 93% of the IT professional interviewed in the OpenVPN study already have a formalized remote work policy in place and this is quite impressive and reassuring.
Why do cybercriminals crack passwords?
Cybercriminals are aware that human error is easier to exploit than trying to get past an advanced security solution, which is why they will attempt to crack account passwords in order to access private company data.
Why is a firewall important?
A firewall will prevent unauthorized access to and from the network, further strengthening the security of your employees’ devices. What firewalls do is monitor network traffic, at the same time finding and blocking unwanted traffic. So, firewalls are important tools that will protect your remote endpoints against various cyber threats.
What is the biggest threat to network security?
Your employees who work remotely can become the biggest threat to your network’s security. By unknowingly following cybersecurity worst practices, employees can actually be the ones giving threat actors access to your network and your company’s private information.
Do companies have remote workers?
Companies may have a fully remote workforce, people who work from home from time to time, or employees who frequently go on business trips. And without a doubt, it’s more difficult to take care of their security than it is to manage your on-site endpoints.
What do employees do when they work remotely?
When employees work remotely, they typically don't pack up their entire office and bring home technology such as printers and desk phones. This means that they may resort to using personal smartphones and home printers to conduct business remotely.
What is the biggest threat to your network?
Your remote employees can be the biggest threat to your network's security. By unknowingly following cyber security worst practices, employees can end up giving hackers and cyber criminals access to your network and your company's sensitive data.
Why is it important to have a password policy?
Password policies can help foster a culture of personal responsibility in your organization. Passphrases and bans on using personal information and repeat passwords for account logins are recommended password policy clauses.
How to reduce the risk of phishing emails?
Training employees on how to detect and avoid phishing emails can greatly reduce the risk that phishing emails pose to company data security. To build a comprehensive cyber security awareness training program, implement it from the moment new hires walk in the door.
Why is "print from anywhere" not secure?
However, this feature has little security because it has to create a hole in your firewall to allow you to communicate with the machine from anywhere. Consider recommending that your employees have this feature turned off.
What happens when you work from home?
Working from home can potentially lead to data breaches, identity fraud, and a host of other negative consequences. Keep reading to learn the top five ways that remote employees can pose cyber security risks to your organization as well as risk mitigation tips.
When should sensitive data be encrypted?
Sensitive data should be encrypted when it's sent over email or phone. When it comes to email encryption, Outlook, a popular email platform, has features that can convert plain text emails to scrambled cipher text so that only the recipient with the key can decrypt the message.
What is physical security?
Physical security measures are designed to protect buildings, and safeguard the equipment inside. In short, they keep unwanted people out, and give access to authorized individuals. While network and cybersecurity are important, preventing physical security breaches and threats is key to keeping your technology and data safe, as well as any staff or faculty that have access to the building. Without physical security plans in place, your office or building is left open to criminal activity, and liable for types of physical security threats including theft, vandalism, fraud, and even accidents.
How to identify potential security risks?
To locate potential risk areas in your facility, first consider all your public entry points. Where people can enter and exit your facility, there is always a potential security risk. Baseline physical security control procedures, such as proper access control measures at key entry points, will help you manage who is coming and going, and can alert you to potential intrusions. Once inside your facility, you’ll want to look at how data or sensitive information is being secured and stored. Do you have server rooms that need added protection? Are desktop computers locked down and kept secure when nobody is in the office? Do employees have laptops that they take home with them each night? Even USB drives or a disgruntled employee can become major threats in the workplace. List out all the potential risks in your building, and then design security plans to mitigate the potential for criminal activity.
How do physical security policies impact cybersecurity and data protection?
Today’s security systems are smarter than ever, with IoT paving the way for connected and integrated technology across organizations. However, cloud-based platforms, remote and distributed workforces, and mobile technology also bring increased risk. In fact, 97% of IT leaders are concerned about a data breach in their organization. But cybersecurity on its own isn’t enough to protect an organization. That’s why a complete physical security plan also takes cybersecurity into consideration.
How to improve physical security in an office?
Education is a key component of successful physical security control for offices. If employees, tenants, and administrators don’t understand the new physical security policy changes, your system will be less effective at preventing intrusions and breaches. Once your system is set up, plan on rigorous testing for all the various types of physical security threats your building may encounter. You should run security and emergency drills with your on-site teams, and also test any remote features of your physical security controls to make sure administrators have the access they need to activate lockdown plans, trigger unlock requests, and add or revoke user access. Communicating physical security control procedures with staff and daily end users will not only help employees feel safer at work, it can also deter types of physical security threats like collusion, employee theft, or fraudulent behavior if they know there are systems in place designed to detect criminal activity.
Why is education important in physical security?
If employees, tenants, and administrators don’t understand the new physical security policy changes, your system will be less effective at preventing intrusions and breaches.
Why is detection important in security?
While it is impossible to prevent all intrusions or breaches, having the right tools in place to detect and deal with intrusions minimizes the disruption to your business in the long run.
Why is it important to migrate physical security to the cloud?
By migrating physical security components to the cloud, organizations have more flexibility. In terms of physical security, examples of that flexibility include being able to make adjustments to security systems on the fly. Changes to door schedules, access permissions, and credentials are instant with a cloud-based access control system, and the admin doesn’t need to be on the property. This is especially important for multi-site and enterprise organizations, who need to be able to access the physical security controls for every location, without having to travel.
Why is cybersecurity important in remote work?
Bringing cybersecurity to the top-of-mind for your remote workforce is important in successfully educating employees on the new risks their work environment presents. Conducting training for security best practices, as well as discussing your organization’s cybersecurity standing and vulnerabilities with the entire workforce are both potential ways to combat network threats.
What is the first step in mitigating risk throughout your attack surface?
Documenting policies, protocols, and authorized software is the first step in mitigating risk throughout your attack surface. From there, you can start to enforce changes that will improve security performance across your expanding digital ecosystem. 2. Unsecured networks.
How to prevent unauthorized app use?
Making proactive decisions about your tech stack can go a long way toward preventing unauthorized app use. For example, by making a secure video chatting or collaboration tool available, you reduce the likelihood of employees going out of their way to install their own (less secure) solutions.
What should be protected using multi-factor authentication?
Any machine that is capable of connecting to your network should be protected using multi-factor authentication, automatic session timeouts, and access monitoring to prevent unauthorized users from getting into the data, even if they have the device.
Is IT security playing catch up?
IT security teams are still playing catchup when it comes to securing the remote workforce. We’re committed to making their jobs easier through our BitSight Security Ratings solutions for monitoring, managing, and mitigating cyber risks. Read our research to learn more about the unique risks of work from home-remote office networks and what to do next to mitigate the latest security threats.
Is social engineering easier than phishing?
Social engineering has a new dimension now that employees aren’t in the same physical space. It’s much easier to impersonate a colleague when they’re not sitting next to you, and in the current stressful environment some emotionally driven phishing emails are working better now than ever before.
Can remote workers access sensitive information?
But with remote work and the physical locations of your workforce and sensitive information further apart, the chances of unauthorized users accessing sensitive data through employees’ computers, phones, and tablets increases exponentially .