Global & Digital Comprehensive Security Blog

Switching to Remote Work During COVID-19? Pay Attention to Cybersecurity

Written by Global Guardian Team | Mar 13, 2020 5:55:05 PM

With more companies expanding remote work options or even going entirely virtual to mitigate risks to their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time for companies to review their cybersecurity measures.  

As Global Guardian’s February 2020 Worldwide Threat Assessment points out:

“Ransomware is now the most prevalent type of malicious software used in cyberattacks, with hundreds of millions of dollars in damages and ransoms paid in the last decade.”

Individuals working remotely or on the road are often the weak link in the cyber protection chain, falling prey to phishing scams, clickbait malware, or unknowingly joining a fake public wi-fi network run by cybercriminals.

Cybersecurity Challenges AND BEST PRACTICES
Cybersecurity is challenging for any company. And now, new COVID-19-themed attacks are popping up daily, bypassing corporate security. Imagine what could happen to unprotected remote users? 
 
Remote workers lack protection in the home that they have in the office, leaving them more susceptible to opportunistic cyberattacks that can be brought back to the office when they connect. Simple precautions such as virtual private networking, next-generation firewalls, and managed cyber hygiene can offset risks of workers operating remotely. 
 
Corporate policies should require VPN use for all remote work, including work performed on mobile devices. In addition, Global Guardian recommends the following:
 
  • Configure the VPN to be always on. 
  • Require the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible. 
  • Companies should require basic cyber hygiene on any computer or mobile being used to connect through the VPN: anti-virus software installed, computer firewall enabled, and be able to locate, remotely manage or wipe employee devices.

Finally, it is important to remember that all the devices used to work from home will make their way back to the office and will be plugged in to the network once the crisis is over, potentially introducing whatever malware was picked up while outside of the protected network.

standing by to support...

Global Guardian’s cybersecurity offering is designed to keep both corporations and individuals ahead of cyber threats and malicious actors. Our service offering includes expert baseline assessments, unparalleled real-time network monitoring and analysis with a focus on the end user. In addition, if you are looking for maximal VPN protection, we recommend Global Guardian’s VPN services for corporate, residential, and personal devices. Unlike other premium VPNs, Global Guardian’s VPN service utilizes our custom threat intelligence feed to actively monitor your VPN tunnel for malicious activity. Global Guardian's VPN in conjunction with our tailored cyber security solutions provides our clients with the ultimate defense against today’s cyber threats.