A remote workforce has become the norm since the pandemic. Even now that we consider it safe to return to the office work environment, many businesses have maintained the remote work setup because of the advantages. However, working from home also brings cybersecurity issues that need attention so as not to jeopardize the company’s network and sensitive data.

What Are the Cybersecurity Dangers That Come with Working from Home?

When working from home, employees lack the usual protective measures used in an office network. Many workers use their home networks and may also use the same device for both work and personal transactions. Because of this, there are a lot of security issues that can arise and potentially cause damage to the company.

Vulnerable Personal Networks

You can keep your home network protected by regularly updating your antivirus software. However, most people do not realize there is also a need to update their router software. Without doing this, you will make your home network, and ultimately your work data, susceptible to the prying eyes of online criminals.

Greater Reliance on Technology

Now more than ever, we rely heavily on online tools for doing all kinds of business procedures. Besides the basic emailing and sending of files, practically everything else gets done using digital technology, from video conferencing to banking to fulfilling orders. This widespread use of online tools gives hackers more opportunities to hack company records.

Lack of Cybersecurity Awareness

In the office environment, IT people take care of any cybersecurity issues. Thus, employees do not take such matters too seriously as it is not their primary responsibility, although they are still liable. You must train them in cybersecurity and be sure they are fully aware of potential issues when working at home. Unfortunately, this is not the case since most employees still lack adequate skills and knowledge to circumvent these cybersecurity threats.

Fatigue and Lack of Focus

Human error is still the most common cause of data breaches, and this is especially true in the remote work environment. Studies have shown that almost 40% of work-from-home employees feel exceptionally tired in the remote work setup. In addition, they also need to juggle home chores, which reduces their focus on implementing cybersecurity protocols and makes them lax in their judgment. All these things combined can significantly increase the chance of remote employees inadvertently exposing the company’s confidential files to hackers.

Weak Passwords

In trying to infiltrate company networks through remote workers, hackers will try to crack the user’s passwords. It is the easiest method, and it just so happens that many people still use weak passwords, even for sensitive accounts.

Use of Personal Devices

In the typical office environment, employees will use company-issued computers with current malware protection. When working at home, however, many people use their laptops or smartphones, which are likely to have less than adequate IT security measures installed, like data encryption.

Making Remote Work Safer From Cybersecurity Risks

There are many benefits to working from home. If you feel this is the best strategy for your company, go for it. However, make sure that all remote processes are completely secure. This step is where we can help!

Since we are focusing on cybersecurity this quarter, we have developed a little Quiz for you and your employees to take. Not only is the Quiz fun, but it counts toward your Employee Cybersecurity Training! Access the Quiz Here!

Our cybersecurity experts can equip your company and your remote workers with the skills and technology to stay protected from malware attacks and other online threats. Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive and fully customizable cybersecurity services today!