As remote working can offer employees several benefits, it also poses the possibility of creating the additional threat of cyber-attacks in the future because employees work outside of their company's internal network.
There is also the possibility that if hackers compromise the computers of remote employees by stealing their corporate credentials or if they are infected with malware, it becomes a costly threat to the organization's network security.
There are many cybersecurity risks that organizations face if they cannot identify and protect their remote workers from cyberattacks such as data breaches, phishing campaigns, ransomware attacks, and business email compromises (BECs).
The NSA has released cybersecurity tips to help remote workers protect themselves and their networks against cyberattacks and hackers. This is to prevent this from happening in the first place. The NSA has outlined these tips to help remote workers prevent this.
NSA cybersecurity technical director Neal Ziring said in a world where telework is common cybercriminals can use their home network as a platform for stealing sensitive information and protecting their identities due to its use as part of the home network access point. Cybercrime risk is reduced by securing devices and networks and being online safely.
As a result of the NSA's recommendations, there are several ways to ensure remote network and data security.
The recommendations were based on those made by the agencies.
Stay Up-to-Date With Modern Operating Systems, Apps, and Browsers
It is one of the most effective methods of protecting your device from cyberattacks if you use the latest operating system. You should keep it updated with the latest security patches.
As a rule of thumb, use the latest operating system version. Old versions of operating systems, which are no longer receiving updates, may eventually cease to receive updates across the board - this could result in no security patches if vulnerabilities are discovered after the cut-off, which could be exploited by attackers.
Your screen usually prompts you for these updates. This prompt will prompt you to restart your computer. Therefore, you need to do that as soon as possible before the update is installed.
In the same way, you should use the latest applications, software, and browsers. This is because they will offer you the latest security updates. This will make it more difficult for cybercriminals to exploit known vulnerabilities in software to attack you.
Keep Your Router Secure and Up to Date
Your internet service provider (ISP) provides you with a router to connect to the internet. Many people do not think about this device much, leaving it hidden in a corner after installation.
But your router is a crucial part of your networking set-up, providing a gateway into and out of your home network -- something that can be exploited by cyber attackers if it is not secured properly.
Keeping your router up-to-date with the latest security patches is like keeping every other internet-connected device updated with the latest security patches and you can set your router up to download and install them automatically as soon as they are available.
A router should be replaced with a newer model if it reaches end-of-life and will not receive updates from the ISP if it is not supported long-term by the company.
Set up a Wireless Network Segmentation System
It is a wise idea to separate your Wi-Fi connections so that there are separate Wi-Fi networks for your work and home devices so that you can better secure your work and home devices.
A basic recommendation from the US National Security Agency (NSA) is that you should segment your wireless network into three main types, namely primary wireless, guest wireless, and IoT wireless. It is through this segmentation that you can prevent your less secure devices from directly communicating with your more secure devices.
Use Password Managers to Protect Your Passwords
To guarantee the safety of your passwords, especially those you use to access corporate cloud environments, you need to secure them. To prevent attackers from guessing your passwords, you need uniqueness and complexity.
The problem of remembering multiple passwords will always remain. However, using a password manager, this obstacle can be avoided by using a strong, unique password that will help you keep track of all passwords.
Additionally, you should not store passwords on your device in plain text so they cannot be stolen or lost. If your device is lost or stolen, your accounts will be protected from unauthorized access.
Accounts Should be Multi-Factor Authenticated
Whenever possible, you should use multi-factor authentication (MFA), or two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your accounts.
To link your corporate account with your employer's, it is ideal if your employer provides you with an authenticatorMulti-factor authentication (MFA) can also improve your personal accounts' security. One of the most effective methods of protecting data is to use security keys based on applications or hardware. If that is not possible, SMS-based multifactor authentication can be an effective alternative.
Secure Your Computer
In the case of remote workers, you should make sure that you use a piece of software that protects your computer from viruses, which your employer probably provides you with. You can also install antivirus software on your personal computers to keep you and your family safe. You do not have to spend a lot of money on this software, so look for a free one online.
To keep your computer safe, antivirus software alerts you when malicious attachments, websites, or other potential threats are detected.
Public Wi-Fi Should be Used Cautiously
Remote working has an advantage unlike anything else available right now. Working from anywhere is just one of the reasons people prefer coffee shops over home offices.
While there is an internet connection on the device, do you know whether or not it is secure? A report by the National Security Agency shows that public hotspots are more likely to be targets of malicious software, so it is highly recommended to treat public Wi-Fi with extra caution, or if the situation can be avoided, avoid using it altogether.
Unlike Wi-Fi hotspots, you are better off using a cellular network for Internet connection, such as mobile Wi-Fi or even devices with 4G or 5G capabilities, as an alternative Wi-Fi hotspot. The NSA recommends using a VPN provider to protect your connection when connected to public Wi-Fi. This is to avoid malicious activity and protect you from spying.
