Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started, companies worldwide started to transition their workforce into a remote setup as a workable solution for the mandatory lockdowns. This took a lot of effort and resources to accomplish. Every company with a remote workforce had to face a couple of challenges during the implementation. One of the biggest challenges is data security and cyber attack prevention, which is a huge consideration. In this article, we’ll explore the different strategies companies can utilize to keep cyber attacks for remote workers at bay.

1. Acquire the Right Remote Working Tools

Remote work is an entirely different experience, which also requires a different set of tools to implement properly. You need to invest in the right remote working tools like video conferencing apps, cloud-based office suites, and other software. Your job as managers and leaders is to make sure that these tools are safe enough for your employees to use. By coordinating with your IT team, you can assess just how safe and secure any of the apps you want them to use. It’s also important to remind your remote workers to always update their software applications regularly so they’ll have the latest security patches.

2. Install a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Software 

Nowadays, run-of-the-mill antivirus software is no longer enough to keep hackers and cyber attackers at bay. You need to invest in a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that can handle all manner of malware, scams, and zero-day attacks. While a good antivirus program offers a decent amount of protection, there are other cybersecurity packages designed to boost that defence and to complement the base antivirus program. Ideally, you should choose a security suite that can detect and eliminate the following threats:

• Malware and Spyware
• Viruses
• Phishing Scams
• Trojans and Worms
• Zero-Day Attacks

This is just the minimum when it comes to antivirus and online security protection. Of course, there are still other ways you can bolster your defence against hackers.

3. Implement Two-Factor Authentication

Gone are the days when a simple password is all you need to prevent other people from accessing your tools or your user data. Passwords are no longer as powerful as they once were. You need to use additional layers of security, especially for remote workers.

Nowadays, hackers employ more sophisticated and nefarious methods to steal passwords, such as keylogging, phishing, and pharming. To better protect your employees, you need to require them to use two-factor authentication (2FA) when logging in as an extra step between supplying passwords and accessing accounts. With 2FA, hackers will find it harder to break into your work devices and access your user data.

4. Invest in a Virtual Private Network

As the nature of remote working goes, employees can work from any location they want. If they’re working from home or somewhere in the vicinity, they risk exposing their address to attackers through their IP address. However, by investing in a virtual private network (VPN), you can mask your employees’ IP addresses and prevent hackers from knowing their location and accessing their data. A VPN builds a secure tunnel between your remote employees and your company’s server. Accessing your network through a VPN actually encrypts the information, making it look nothing more than gibberish to outside entities.

These are just some of the security solutions you should consider for your employees working in their respective homes. While they may not be physically under the protection of your office, you should at least afford them the right amount of digital security while they work remotely.

Protecting remote workers from unwanted cyber attacks is now more possible with the help of an expert in cyber attack prevention and analysis. FraudWatch is a digital brand protection company offering modern security solutions for the digital age. We make it our mission to build your brand’s defence against brand abuse, impersonation, phishing, and malware attacks. Contact us today and give your company the protection it deserves.