Remote work has become increasingly common in recent years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated this trend. While remote work offers many benefits, it also presents new cybersecurity risks that businesses need to be aware of. Here are some of the key cybersecurity threats that remote workers face:
- Phishing: Phishing attacks are a common type of cyber attack that attempt to trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data. Remote workers are particularly vulnerable to phishing attacks, as they may not have the same level of security awareness training as office-based employees.
- Malware: Malware is a type of software designed to damage or disrupt computer systems. Remote workers may be more likely to encounter malware, as they may be using personal devices or accessing unsecured networks.
- Unsecured networks: Remote workers may need to use public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and can be easily intercepted by cybercriminals. This can put sensitive business data at risk.
- Social engineering: Social engineering attacks are designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information, often by posing as a trusted individual or organization. Remote workers may be more vulnerable to these attacks, as they may be working alone and more likely to let their guard down.
To protect against these and other cybersecurity threats, businesses should take a number of steps, such as providing security awareness training to remote workers, using virtual private networks (VPNs) to secure remote connections, and implementing two-factor authentication for sensitive systems.