Remote Users and Cyber Security

Here we are in yet another transition. This one is about changing the status of employees from temporary work-from-home to full-time remote positions.

Employers now need to review their existing cybersecurity and prepare to defend against potential attacks. The top five ideas for improving remote user’s cybersecurity are listed below.

Cybersecurity Training

In a recent survey, Kenna Security reports 31% of companies do not provide cybersecurity training to their employees. In this report among employees receiving training, 61% failed to pass a basic cybersecurity quiz. According to Usenix, training and testing should occur at least twice annually.

Multi-Factor Authentication

Providing a quick, powerful extra layer of security multi-factor authentication asks users to confirm the login request through another device or account associated with their identity. This process blocks over 99.9% of account compromise attacks.

Home Network Assessment

Employee’s home network may not be adequate for storing and accessing company property. IT departments are performing assessments including:

• Router quality and updates
• Network encryption enabled
• Router’s SSID name has been changed
• Discovery options are disabled

Additional Software Options

VPN. Encrypts user’s internet traffic and disguises identity and IP address.

Password Management Platform. Stores encrypted passwords in a central location and provides access with a master password.

Remote-Wipe Software. To cover the possibility that the employee’s equipment may be lost or stolen, this software will allow a company admin to access the device and delete files remotely.

Cyber Hygiene

Users should also practice good cyber hygiene to keep themselves and their devices safe. Set automatic reminders for password changes and send notices of updated software releases.

Dean and Draper

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Sources: Kenna Security, Usenix, Embroker.