Choosing a firewall that matches the size, scope, and scale of your organization is an essential first step in mitigating remote access risks. Make sure your firewall has built-in antivirus and anti-malware software and high availability programs .
What are the risks of remote access security?
Many remote access security risks abound, but below is a list of the ones that jump out. 1. Lack of information The first risk is a lack of information about traditional network security technologies, such as firewalls and intrusion prevention systems, as those systems may be largely out of the equation now.
Are remote access services and software Safe?
Unfortunately, they’re far from safe. 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.
Is the shift to remote work putting your organization at risk?
The shift to remote work over the past few months has increased the need for organizations to re-evaluate their security and risk management practices. With employees accessing corporate data at times on home computers or sharing and collaborating in new ways, organizations could be at greater risk for data leak or other risks.
What are the risks of telecommuting?
The convenience of telecommuting also brings with it vulnerabilities and security issues. For example, the massive 2013 breach of the retailer Target, which resulted in the theft of 70 million credit and debit card numbers, occurred after hackers gained access to the Target network using the remote access credentials of a third-party HVAC vendor.
What are the risks of 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.
How do you protect remote access?
Basic Security Tips for Remote DesktopUse strong passwords. ... Use Two-factor authentication. ... Update your software. ... Restrict access using firewalls. ... Enable Network Level Authentication. ... Limit users who can log in using Remote Desktop. ... Set an account lockout policy.
What can we do in order to limit or prevent remote access?
Firewalls can be your first line of defense in network security by limiting those who have remote access. You should set up firewalls to restrict access using software or hardware or both. Update your software regularly. Make sure your software updates automatically so you're working with the latest security fixes.
What are 3 ways to Minimise the security risks associated with IT?
Practical steps to improve IT security secure computers, servers and wireless networks. use anti-virus and anti-spyware protection, and firewalls. regularly update software to the latest versions. use data backups that include off-site or remote storage.
What is remote access solutions?
The most common remote access solutions are software programs with built-in access and communication capabilities for tech admins and remote users. These tools allow admins to access employee workstations remotely and allow users to reach in-office resources from remote devices.
How can online risk be avoided?
Essential internet safety tips#1: Make sure your internet connection is secure. ... #2: Choose strong passwords. ... #3: Enable multi-factor authentication where you can. ... #4: Keep software and operating systems up-to-date. ... #5: Check that websites look and feel reliable.More items...
What are some techniques to reduce security threats?
To keep your network and its traffic secured:Install a firewall.Ensure proper access controls.Use IDS/IPS to track potential packet floods.Use network segmentation.Use a virtual private network (VPN)Conduct proper maintenance.
What allows you to minimize security risks?
Never leave anything unattended in a public area, in a shared living space, or visible for potential intruders. Use physical locking devices or take them with you. Use an inconspicuous protective bag or case to carry your laptop and other devices. A laptop carrying case is an advertisement of its contents.
How do you secure remote access to employees?
7 Best Practices For Securing Remote Access for EmployeesDevelop a Cybersecurity Policy For Remote Workers. ... Choose a Remote Access Software. ... Use Encryption. ... Implement a Password Management Software. ... Apply Two-factor Authentication. ... Employ the Principle of Least Privilege. ... Create Employee Cybersecurity Training.
What is a preferred security measure for remote access?
Virtual Private Networking (VPN) is often considered the best approach in securing trans-network communication.
What is a common way to help protect devices connected to the company network?
What is a common way to help protect devices connected to the company network? A. Only use laptops and other mobile devices with full-disk encryption. This is correct!
Which option creates a secure connection for remote workers?
The only way to secure your remote workforce is a secure VPN. Employees must connect from their laptops, desktops and mobile devices over a VPN connection. It's the secure, private method for virtually entering the corporate office, so to speak.
How to mitigate remote access risks?
Choosing a firewall that matches the size, scope, and scale of your organization is an essential first step in mitigating remote access risks. Make sure your firewall has built-in antivirus and anti-malware software and high availability programs.
What is the overriding risk of remote access services and software?
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.
What is Remote Access?
Remote access is simply the ability to access a computer or network, at home or in an office, from a remote location.
What are some practices that end point users engage in?
Connecting to an unsecured Wi-Fi network, visiting malicious sites, and downloading hazardous software are practices that many end point users engage in – making a man-in-the-middle attack and other hacking methods for infecting your computer very easy.
What is shadow IT risk?
On top of that, be aware of employees downloading or installing any information or software without your permission – also known as shadow IT risks.
Can antivirus stop hackers?
Most consumer-ready antivirus products won’t stop sophisticated hackers targeting your organization – which is what most home computers are running.
Is it safe to work remotely?
If any of your employees are working remotely, you’re in danger. But it’s easy to ignore remote access risks when the benefits are so appealing: Your employees may be more productive in their own home without everyday distractions in the office (unnecessary meetings, work gossip, hearing other employees on calls, etc.)
What is the first risk in network security?
The first risk is a lack of information about traditional network security technologies, such as firewalls and intrusion prevention systems, as those systems may be largely out of the equation now.
What is the essence of an organization's network security challenge?
The essence of an organization's network security challenge is users are now, more than ever, making security decisions on the network team's behalf. Teams should think about what they can do to minimize such decisions or at least minimize their effect on the business. Consider the following methods.
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Is there a tangible risk to security?
Unless and until technical staff, employees and management are working toward the same goals in terms of security standards, policies and expectations, there will be tangible risks. Most people have already established their baseline in this new normal. However, from what I'm seeing and hearing from clients and colleagues, there are still lots of opportunities to properly mitigate certain threats and vulnerabilities.
Is it time to do more of the same with network security?
Now is not the time to do more of the same with network security. Instead, you've got to figure out how to get your users working for you rather than against you. The same boring messages and dictates are not going to work. You'll have to get creative as you address remote access security.
Featuring guest speaker, CISSP Cyber Security Expert, Derek A. Smith
Today, most organizations use some form of remote access for remote workers, third parties, vendors, and others. The downside is that remote access opens your organization up to all types of cybersecurity risks. In fact, almost every major data breach over the past several years has involved some type of unauthorized remote access.
Derek A. Smith, Founder, National Cybersecurity Education Center
Derek A. Smith is an expert at cybersecurity, cyber forensics, healthcare IT, SCADA security, physical security, investigations, organizational leadership and training. He is currently an IT Supervisor at the Internal Revenue Service. He is also owner of The Intercessors Investigative and Training Group ( www.theintercessorgroup.com ).
Why is remote work important?
Remote work, while keeping employees healthy during this time, also increases the distractions end users face, such as shared home workspaces and remote learning for children. According to the SEI CERT institute, user distractions are the cause for many accidental and non-malicious insider risks. The current environment has also significantly increased stressors such as potential job loss or safety concerns, creating the potential for increased inadvertent or malicious leaks.
How to learn more about Microsoft security?
To learn more about Microsoft Security solutions visit our website. Bookmark the Security blog to keep up with our expert coverage on security matters. Also, follow us at @MSFTSecurity for the latest news and updates on cybersecurity.
What is data loss prevention?
Data Loss Prevention solutions help prevent data leaks and provide context-based policy enforcement for data at rest, in use, and in motion on-premises and in the cloud. Microsoft 365 already includes built-in data loss prevention capabilities in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Exchange, and OneDrive, as well as for third-party cloud apps with Microsoft Cloud App Security.
Risks Associated with Remote Working
Several risks are associated with remote working, classified into three categories: technology failure, social isolation, and security breach.
Mitigating Remote Working Risk
There are several ways for organizations to mitigate the risks associated with remote working. These include –
Disadvantages of Remote Working
Despite the advantages, remote working also has its disadvantages, which include:
Mitigating Remote Working Risk
There are several methods that can help mitigate the risks associated with remote working, which include:
Conclusion
The benefits of remote working are clear, but organizations must be aware of the risks associated with the practice. By implementing the appropriate mitigations, organizations can reduce the likelihood of these risks materializing and ensure that their employees are productive when working from home.
What should security teams do if on-premises network and email security mechanisms are no longer available?
Recommendation: If some on-premises network and email security mechanisms are no longer available, security teams should double down on educating users to identify phishing attempts and to choose strong, unique passwords, encouraging the use of a password manager. They should also implement client certificates and multi-factor authentication in order to prevent attackers from gaining access through unsecured devices.
What are the risks of using a VPN?
Here are five top security risks that teams must deal with, as well as technology and user education best practices to keep users and data safe: 1. Weak remote access policies. Once attackers get access to a virtual private network (VPN), they can often penetrate the rest of the network like a hot knife through butter.
Why is it important to enforce access based on user identity?
Recommendation: It’s critical that companies enforce access based on user identity, allowing specific groups access to only what they need to get their jobs done, and expanding access from there on an as-needed basis.
How to mitigate remote risk in identity management?
A good way to help mitigate remote risk in your identity management is to reduce the number of logins required of your users. Single sign-on securely authenticates users across all of your organizations’ cloud applications with a single login.
Can you access sensitive information while working from home?
Even while working from home, users still have access to sensitive information . This might include proprietary data, as well as personally identifying information for employees and customers. At the least, they can access company emails, which could contain any amount of sensitive information.