How to Handle the Remote Work Cybersecurity Challenge

The cybersecurity challenges of remote working are more formidable and diverse than most IT risks and threats. The number of remote working arrangements and scenarios varies across organizations since they have different operations and business needs. As a result, it is almost impossible to develop a common cybersecurity standard that dictates how companies should approach security when employees access information systems remotely. That said, enterprises need to understand the primary cybersecurity components applicable in different remote working scenarios.

Cybersecurity Measures to Consider

It can be challenging for organizations to manage their security when employees access networks and information systems remotely. For example, employees may use insecure devices, such as vulnerable laptops and smartphones, to retrieve sensitive information. Such practices are a security risk and a challenge to manage, making it difficult to enforce cybersecurity policies and procedures or maintain robust security and access controls.

With this in mind, it is essential to consider the following to maintain robust security when employees are working remotely:

Manage User Identity

Most organizations have a centrally managed corporate network, making it a challenge to monitor network activities during remote access. Therefore, one of the best cybersecurity practices is to validate users before allowing remote access.

User identity authentication and management involves verifying that a person is who he or she claims to be. It is important to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing company IT resources and assets. To do so, you can manage user identity through the following methods:

1. Strong Password Security: Network and system admins must require users to create and maintain robust passwords. They should enforce password security management policies to ensure users maintain the same password security standards. For example, employees should create a password of at least eight characters, including a combination of special characters, and a plan to change the user passwords regularly.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA is a proven method for managing user identities. Once a user inputs login credentials, they must provide additional information to verify their identity. These could be biometrics such as fingerprint recognition or a code generated by a security token or smartphone that acts as an authentication device that is accessible only by that user only.

Secure Your Cloud-Based and SaaS Services

Cloud-based and SaaS services enable companies to access essential information and allow employees to work from anywhere efficiently. They form a core part of remote working approaches and, therefore, require adequate protection measures. It is very important to clearly define your organizational cybersecurity procedures and policies that cover cloud environments.

At a minimum, you should have policies and procedures that provide visibility in the following SaaS examples:

• Document and email collaboration services, such as Google G Suite or Office 365
• SaaS chat and collaboration services, such as Microsoft Teams or Slack
• ERP and CRM management systems, such as NetSuite or SalesForce

Also, it is imperative to implement sufficient controls that limit access to cloud services and resources, especially from third-party applications used for remote access. Access should be restricted to user roles, and where possible, remote users should have read-only access privileges.

Incident Monitoring and Response

Monitoring and responding to remote working incidents have two main challenges. Firstly, the detection and response cybersecurity tools in place may be suitable for on-premise operations only. With the COVID-19 pandemic causing remote work to be enforced worldwide, many companies were unprepared and lacked proper cybersecurity protection against work-from-home cyber risks. As such, the detection and response tools may not have been useful in remote monitoring. Secondly, it is almost impossible to monitor the myriad of user devices or internet services used to remotely access organizational networks.

One best practice to consider is to outsource the services of a Managed eXtended Detection & Response (MXDR) service provider. Such vendors have specialized software and cybersecurity personnel to provide round-the-clock monitoring for all remote working activities. These include managed endpoint detection and response systems, which provide visibility into devices accessing a network remotely.

Organizations can use MXDR service providers to monitor remote activities, including the number of users accessing the network and the resources they access or use. The systems also detect unusual traffic patterns, which may signify a cybersecurity incidence of compromise.

Use a VPN

Most people perceive virtual private networks (VPNs) as only useful when bypassing government censorships, geographical restrictions, or blocked websites. They create an encrypted tunnel that hides all user activities in a network and therefore play an essential role in providing online privacy.

When employees use a VPN to access sensitive information remotely, the VPN creates an encrypted hidden network to protect against interceptions or man-in-the-middle attacks. In addition they encrypt the communication channel so hackers can't decipher the communicated details.

Consistent Backups

Even Fortune 500 companies that have the most advanced cybersecurity systems fall victim to attacks. With remote working dramatically increasing cybersecurity risks, it is vitally important to maintain consistent backups to prevent data loss in case of an attack. Also, businesses with remote workers are at a higher risk of a ransomware attack. Secure information backups, that are tested regularly to ensure recovery and data availability, are essential in case attackers effectively encrypt or destroy the data and information whether a ransom is paid or not.

Get Started with Securus360 MXDR Services

Securus360 MXDR provides advanced and proactive approaches to managing remote cybersecurity challenges by identifying, containing and responding to adverse threats immediately. Securus360 experts provide threat hunting capabilities based on artificial intelligence to ascertain timely and accurate detection and response to cyber threats.

Securus360 MXDR artificial intelligence capabilities guarantee 24/7 monitoring and real-time alert notification once the team detects anomalous network traffic.

More importantly, Securus360 provides access to highly qualified cybersecurity experts with many years of experience who are ready to advise you on ways to enhance your remote cybersecurity posture. They bring proven expertise in countering work-from-home cyber threats and other risks at a fraction of the cost of an in-house, fully equipped, 24 X 7 monitoring operation. Enterprises should consider Securus360 MXDR services for peace of mind while supporting a remote workforce.