Cybersecurity for Remote Work: Securing Distributed Environments
In the era of remote work, securing digital workspaces is paramount, prompting us to gather insights from top cybersecurity and company executives. From the critical advice of a CISO to beware of urgent phishing language to the CEO and founder’s recommendation to encrypt data and establish VPNs, here are the top eight cybersecurity measures these experts recommend for protecting remote work environments.
- Beware of Urgent Phishing Language
- Adopt NIST Framework
- Implement Endpoint Protection Software
- Educate and Use Centralized VPNs
- Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication
- Apply Zero Trust Network Access
- Incorporate Secure VPN with Training
- Encrypt Data and Establish VPNs
Beware of Urgent Phishing Language
Phishing attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and pose a significant risk to both personal and organizational security. Hackers are creative, and they constantly devise new schemes, exploit new technologies, and change tactics to avoid detection. One measure to watch out for, especially in a remote work environment, is to be aware of urgent or threatening language.
Phishers often use scare tactics to pressure recipients into taking immediate action. If an email demands urgent action or threatens dire consequences, be cautious.
Often, scammers will create a sense of urgency with a fake and often scary scenario:
1. Click this link now, or you may get fired.
2. We found prohibited material on your account, and we need your password to verify that this was not you.
3. We need your password now, or you won’t get paid.
By implementing this, among other best practices, companies can collectively reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing scams.
Trevor Horwitz
Ciso, TrustNet Inc.
Adopt NIST Framework
Take an asset-centric view of security. If you use a framework like NIST 800-207 to protect assets with Zero Trust, you’ll automatically get consistent protection across all environments. Tools like software-defined perimeters can help make this easy for distributed assets and data, both on-premises and in the cloud.
Mike Ichiriu
VP of Marketing and Product, Zentera Systems
Implement Endpoint Protection Software
One cybersecurity measure companies can implement to secure their remote work environments, which is a little lesser-known than the usual—VPN, MFA, secure Wi-Fi, and training—is endpoint protection.
Endpoint protection is a cybersecurity solution that involves installing a suite of software on company devices, such as anti-malware software, antivirus software, data encryption, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), firewall protection, and endpoint detection and response (EDR).
Together, this stack of software provides your business with a rock-solid defense and a fantastic foundation for other cybersecurity measures, such as VPNs and MFAs.
Fleshing out EDR, this measure specializes in identifying potential threats that may not be recognized by traditional antivirus solutions, giving you and your business much better coverage. I would recommend any device that has or will access corporate networks and data to have endpoint protection—an incredibly simple but effective method for businesses looking to increase their cybersecurity defenses.
Lisa Mcstay
Chief Operating Officer (COO), Continuity2
Educate and Use Centralized VPNs
Educating employees about the importance of cybersecurity is the first step to securing your remote work environment. That includes avoiding phishing emails, using strong passwords, and being cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
Taking this one step further, companies can also use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This encrypts internet traffic between the remote worker’s device and the company’s network, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure.
Instead of each remote worker using their own VPN service, companies can provide a centralized VPN solution that all employees must use when accessing company resources remotely. This ensures consistent encryption and security standards across all remote connections.
Craig Bird
Managing Director, CloudTech24
Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication
Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) can bolster security for remote work environments. MFA requires users to provide multiple forms of verification before accessing sensitive data or systems, adding an extra layer of protection.
To maintain consistent security across distributed locations, companies can centralize their cybersecurity policies and procedures. This includes enforcing unified security protocols like standardized MFA requirements, encryption standards, and remote access controls applicable to all remote workers, irrespective of their location.
Furthermore, conducting regular security audits and assessments aids in identifying and rectifying vulnerabilities or compliance issues across distributed locations, ensuring that cybersecurity measures stay effective and up-to-date.
Suzanne Ricci
Chief Success Officer, Computer Coach Training Center
Apply Zero Trust Network Access
Securing a remote work environment requires a layered approach, and a key cybersecurity measure is implementing a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution. ZTNA verifies every user and device accessing company resources, regardless of location, eliminating implicit trust within internal networks.
To ensure consistency across distributed locations, choose a ZTNA solution with centralized management for policy enforcement, granular access control, and mandatory multi-factor authentication. Complement ZTNA with endpoint security measures, data encryption, security awareness training for employees, and regular security assessments to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Muhammad Muzammil Rawjani
Co-Founder, TechnBrains
Incorporate Secure VPN with Training
We use Perimeter81, which allows our team to use a secure VPN when traveling and using public Wi-Fi. Part of our onboarding for new team members includes a session to review this and other security measures.
Corey Schwitz
CEO & Founder, On-Demand Salesforce, Hubspot and Revenue Ops Customization, Skydog Ops
Encrypt Data and Establish VPNs
Adopting end-to-end encryption for all communications and data storage is crucial for securing remote work environments. This ensures that sensitive information remains confidential, even if intercepted. At Toggl, we encrypt all data related to Toggl Track, Toggl Plan, and Toggl Hire, safeguarding our customer and company information against cyber threats.
Establishing a virtual private network (VPN) for all remote connections is a key strategy for maintaining consistent security. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for data transmission, protecting against breaches and interception. At Toggl, we mandate the use of VPNs for accessing our network, ensuring a standardized security layer across all remote interactions.
Alari Aho
CEO and Founder, Toggl Inc
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