It’s been almost two years since the Covid-19 pandemic forced businesses across the globe to send their employees home to work remotely. And while there are many advantages to this arrangement, there are also some significant cybersecurity risks that come with it.
What are some of the biggest dangers remote workers face, and what can employers do to help keep their employees safe? Here are some tips:
Phishing Emails
Phishing emails are one of the most common ways that cybercriminals try to gain access to sensitive information. They often look like they’re from a legitimate source, but they contain links or attachments that, when clicked, will install malware on your computer or redirect you to a fake website where you’ll be asked to enter personal or financial information.
Teach your employees to be on the lookout for phishing emails by looking out for red flags like misspellings, unexpected attachments, and unfamiliar senders. If they’re not sure whether an email is legitimate, they should err on the side of caution and contact your IT department for help.
Weak Passwords
Another common way that cybercriminals gain access to sensitive information is by guessing or brute-forcing weak passwords. A strong password should be at least eight characters long and contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Passwords should also be unique for each account, so that if one password is compromised, the others will remain safe.
Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks
When working remotely, it’s important to only connect to secure Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, which means that anyone can access them and view any data being transmitted over them.
This includes things like login credentials, confidential business information, and even personal information like credit card numbers and home addresses.
Outdated Software
Outdated software is another common cybersecurity risk. This is because as new security vulnerabilities are discovered, software developers will release updates to patch those holes. But if you’re not using the latest version of the software, you’ll still be vulnerable.
That’s why it’s important to ensure that all the software on your computer, both operating system and applications, is always up-to-date.
Malware
Malware is a type of malicious software that can wreak havoc on your computer, stealing sensitive information or even holding your data hostage until you pay a ransom.
There are many different types of malware, including viruses, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. The best way to protect yourself is to install a reliable antivirus program and keep it up-to-date.
Unsafe Websites
Another way that cybercriminals can gain access to your computer is by tricking you into visiting an unsafe website. These websites may look legitimate, but they’re actually loaded with malware.
When browsing the internet, always double-check the URL of the website before entering any personal or financial information. And if you’re ever unsure whether a website is safe, don’t hesitate to contact your IT department for help.
If you need help keeping your remote workers safe from cyberattacks, contact a reputable IT support company. They can provide you with the tools and resources you need to keep your business safe.