June 03, 2022
How companies can protect remote workers from cyber attacks
Many people are yearning to travel again now that the Covid-19 restrictions have eased up. After two years of video conferencing, in-person meetings are possible once again. Many multinational organisations have organised events for their employees to reconnect; companies with an international client base are arranging in-person meetings and industries with foreign suppliers are scheduling site visits.
With all of this increased travel comes a greater demand for cyber security so that remote workers can connect to business networks safely, no matter where they are. Even if remote workers choose not to leave their home offices, businesses must pay attention to cyber security in order to avoid attacks. Enterprises must have the right cyber security partner to protect their data, networks and servers as the remote work trend continues.
A zero-trust model should be employed
Never trust, always verify. This has become the motto for large corporations' cyber security policies. Zero trust network access models ensure that no trust is automatically given and has to be explicitly granted by the user or the device. Remote workers operating on the cloud must be verified using a this model, which frequently involves multi-factor authentication (MFA).
To secure business networks and protect company data, access codes are used in conjunction with biometrics. A zero-trust approach to cyber security reduces the risk of data breaches and gives businesses more control and insight over network activity. It helps to prevent malware from spreading laterally and reduces the risk of data breaches if an employee's laptop is lost or stolen.
Principle of Least Privilege
The Principle of Least Privilege is another cyber security policy that is gaining traction among security teams. This principle means that employees only have access to the data they need to perform their duties, with limited or no access to data used by other departments.
For example, while sales teams require access to sales data, such as customer records, the IT department is unlikely to require knowledge of the customer base's intricacies. Likewise, high-level executives typically require access to larger datasets than their lower-level counterparts.
Large corporations can prevent internal data breaches, whether intentional or not, by limiting who has access to what. Depending on changing workflow requirements, temporary permissions can be provided and access revoked. With the rise of remote working, the Principle of Least Privilege can help prevent unauthorised access to company resources.
Remote workers should use a cloud-based VPN
Skype, WhatsApp, Google and Facebook are widely used for both private and professional communication in Kenya. For employees travelling abroad, however, the reliance on these platforms can pose a security threat.
Employees should use virtual private networks (VPNs) to combat this. However, the use of free VPNs poses a significant cyber security risk to companies. Hackers can easily gain access to devices, infecting computers with malware and leaving company networks exposed to cyber attacks.
To protect remote workers, companies should consider using enterprise-grade VPNs, particularly cloud-based ones. Cloud VPNs are easy to manage, providing IT departments complete control over remote devices and users. Employees do not have to hand in their devices for manual configuration as business network access can be granted remotely.
Cloud security is essential
In terms of cyber security, the cloud is a vital component. It provides employees with continuous access to business resources by providing instant backups and on-demand capabilities. The cloud reduces downtime and allows for quick recovery in the event of a disaster. All documents and communications can be easily recovered should an employee's device stop working or get stolen.
To reduce the risk of a cyber attack, businesses require a remote access management strategy. The cloud must be adequately protected as part of a proactive security strategy. It allows for new types of collaboration, but essential company assets must be effectively secured if they are stored there.
Cloud security solutions from SEACOM Business offer advanced levels of protection for business networks. End-to-end encryption ensures the security of remote access for teams working in different locations.
Remote workers will benefit from cyber security training
The majority of your employees are unlikely to be cyber security experts. IT policies and procedures, particularly for remote teams, can help to reduce the risk of security breaches. Employee security training can assist them in understanding the risks and staying up to date on current threats.
The most common type of cyber attack is a phishing scam. Hackers use emails to try to extort money or gain access to sensitive data. Employees must be able to recognise phishing attempts, especially those requesting money transfers or changes to customer data. In order to avoid phishing scams, businesses must provide regular security awareness training for their employees.
Cyber protection is essential for remote workers
Businesses must ensure that remote workers have secure access to company networks to avoid data breaches. The trend of mobile and remote working will continue, and companies must address the security concerns that come with it. Businesses can avoid hiring additional IT personnel by partnering with cyber security experts.
SEACOM Business collaborates with Kenyan companies to ensure that they have the best policies, procedures and software in place to address their cyber security issues. For more information or to get a quote for our various cyber security services, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.
SEACOM owns Africa’s largest network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including fibre optic networks and subsea cables. We offer a wide range of industry-leading scalable ICT solutions for large companies that operate throughout the region.
SEACOM is privately owned - making it adaptable to the needs of the client. We are the preferred ICT and internet connectivity supplier for African enterprises. We can guarantee fast, reliable and secure internet and networking services at affordable prices.
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