More and more businesses are having to transition to remote working due to the global pandemic. And because of this, they are having to find ways to ensure that their remote network is protected from cybercrime.
However, a large percentage of these businesses have had to make the transition abruptly and as a result, have not implemented cybersecurity best practices. With an abundance of security risks that come with remote working, you should always be in the know so that your business doesn’t fall victim to a hacker who is seeking to take advantage of security weaknesses in remote setups.
Here are 5 signs that your remote network is a target for hackers and how can you make improvements to your network security:
1. You Don’t Have an Updated BYOD Policy that Extends to Remote Working
Although you might have a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy for when your employees are working at the office, you might not have one for remote working. But when your employees are working from home, it’s vital that there is a policy in place that prevents the remote network from being at risk of cyberattacks.
Without a work-from-home policy, your employees’ devices may be targets for harmful attacks, which can also threaten company data when connected to the business’s remote network. The moment that they use the VPN, it’s effectively granting hackers access to the internal system and, therefore, all of its sensitive data.
Additionally, a work-from-home/BYOD policy outlines where and how company devices can be used, such as whether they can be used in a car or on a public WiFi network or whether they can be used for personal activity or not.
By updating the BYOD policy and including that the devices should have specific antivirus software (among other safeguarding software/processes), you can protect your remote network, your employees, and your data.
2. You Haven’t Set Up a VPN for Your In-House Servers
If you haven’t set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for your in-house servers, then you’re putting a large target on your remote network. By attempting to access sensitive data through public Internet connections (such as downloading files onto devices, sharing them through email, or storing them on a personal laptop), employees put that information at risk of being stolen.
A VPN establishes a direct and secure connection between the in-house network and each remote device. Once it’s connected, employees throughout the business can access resources when and where they need it without that information ever being transmitted over a public connection.
There is an abundance of advantages that comes with opting for a VPN. Not only is this vital for a business that has remote employees as it protects the company’s assets (through the hiding of IP address and the encryption of data), but it’s an affordable solution—something that many businesses will appreciate during this uncertain economic time.
3. Your Employees’ Internet Connections Are Unstable
When an employee’s Internet connection is unstable, it runs the risk of transmitting data slower and allowing unauthorized users to intercept it. As employees are likely accessing sensitive information, the moment that their Internet connection is compromised, so is all of the information on that device.
This makes it critical for businesses to ensure that each employee’s Internet connection is stable and has adequate download and upload speeds for the tasks required to perform their job. You may also consider investing in vulnerability scanning tools and outsourcing your cybersecurity services to an MSP to add additional layers of security to your remote network, preventing unstable Internet connections from interfering with security.
4. Your Calls Aren’t Secured
Whenever you’re conducting private business calls, you’ll need the peace of mind that your communication remains private. With sensitive information such as personal details, credit card information, and more constantly being shared over the phone, businesses need to ensure the security of their phone lines.
To guarantee that calls can’t be intercepted, you need a solution that will not only offer end-to-end encryption but will also implement verification methods that enhance the security for each business call. This is where a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) comes in. A far safer solution to traditional phone systems, it keeps calls private and can save you hundreds of dollars to boot. It also includes several features not offered on traditional phone lines and can be used across several devices remotely.
5. Your IT Team Is Hard to Reach
When your IT team is hard to reach or they take too long to resolve issues within the network, it opens the gates for potential cyberattacks. During this time, hackers may be able to detect vulnerabilities within your cyber network and plan an attack.
To prevent this from happening, you should consider investing in managed security services from an MSP who can offer 24/7 remote (as well as onsite) support when needed. This will give you the peace of mind that your remote network is kept safe and monitored at all times and that any new vulnerabilities that crop up will be immediately identified and patched.
If you recognize any of the above signs in your own business, it’s vital that you rethink your cybersecurity processes and consider investing in more robust measures. Neglecting cybersecurity puts your business at risk of cybercrime, which can damage your business beyond the point of repair. Protect your systems now by turning your security weaknesses into security assets.
