The sudden shift to remote work in 2020 highlighted the vulnerabilities many organizations face when it comes to cybersecurity. As a business leader, I must balance employee flexibility and engagement with data protection and compliance. Here are the main challenges I see with securing a remote workforce, along with potential solutions.
Challenges
Increased Use of Personal Devices
With employees working from home, there’s a greater reliance on personal laptops, tablets, and phones to access company data and applications. This exponentially widens the attack surface and makes it difficult to enforce security protocols.
Potential risks include:
- Malware infections spreading from personal devices to the corporate network
- Loss or theft of unsecured devices containing sensitive data
- Outdated OS and software vulnerabilities on BYOD devices
Collaboration Across Less Secure Networks
Remote workers often use public WiFi networks at coffee shops or while traveling. These connections are outside the corporate firewall and make it easier for attackers to intercept login credentials or sensitive data.
Collaborating over video conferencing also introduces risks if the solution isn’t secured properly. Meetings could be “zoombombed” or conversations overheard.
Increased Phishing and Social Engineering
With employees isolated from each other, there are more opportunities for cybercriminals to impersonate co-workers over email or direct messages. Phishing attacks try to trick victims into sharing passwords or clicking malware links.
Additionally, social engineering preys on emotions like fear and urgency during times of change. Attackers send fake policy updates to install malware or harvest login credentials.
Weak Endpoint Security Controls
Antivirus, firewalls, and other endpoint protections are vital to preventing breaches. However, remote workers may disable or work around these controls.
Corporate devices need endpoint controls to detect malware and suspicious behavior. Personal devices are especially vulnerable without proper oversight.
Potential Solutions
Adopt Zero Trust Security Model
Rather than implicitly trust people or devices inside the corporate perimeter, zero trust verifies identity and devices for every access request. This least-privilege approach adapts well to remote workforces.
Key zero trust strategies include:
- Multi-factor authentication for all applications and resources
- Micro-segmentation to isolate access and limit lateral movement
- Endpoint security on all devices to check for compliance
- Analytics to spot anomalies and risky user behavior
Increase Security Awareness Training
With remote employees, consistent awareness training is vital. Topics should cover:
- Secure WiFi practices
- Strong password hygiene
- Identifying phishing attacks
- Safe handling of sensitive data
- Proper use of collaboration tools
Frequent mock phishing simulations can also improve threat detection.
Utilize Cloud Access Security Broker
A cloud access security broker (CASB) helps secure SaaS application use. Features often include:
- Visibility into SaaS apps used and associated risk
- Data loss prevention policies to protect sensitive info
- Threat prevention against malware and suspicious behavior
- Access control and session management
Integrating a CASB can help strengthen security as adoption of cloud apps accelerates.
Prioritize Vulnerability Management
Unpatched software vulnerabilities open the door for many cyber attacks. Prioritizing vulnerability management is key for securing remote workforces.
Strategies include:
- Regular vulnerability scanning and prioritized remediation
- Patch management policies for desktops, servers, and network devices
- Timely upgrades to replace end-of-life software
- Asset inventory to track all authorized and unauthorized assets
Employ User Behavior Analytics
Spotting abnormal activity indicating a potential breach is vital. User behavior analytics solutions track each employee’s typical behavior patterns. Significant deviations can trigger alerts for investigation.
For remote workforces, monitoring parameters like login locations, data downloads, and communication patterns can surface high-risk events.
Offer Secure Remote Access Environment
Providing corporate-managed devices or a secure virtual environment gives more control over remote user activity. This helps enforce endpoint protections, security policies, and application access controls.
Options include virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), virtual applications, or desktop-as-a-service. Containers can also isolate access and prevent data leakage.
Conclusion
Securing remote employees presents unique cybersecurity challenges. By taking a zero trust approach, prioritizing awareness training, leveraging cloud security, and focusing on threat prevention, I can help minimize our risks. The solutions covered here provide a starting point for building a robust security strategy for a remote workforce.
