After Covid, remote work became increasingly common and is still popular. However, in remote work, the risks of data breaches can increase if the companies do not take proper precautions to prevent them. Here is how firms can prevent data breaches in remote work.
Zero Trust Security Model
Firms can use the zero trust model to increase the corporate network's security. When businesses use the zero trust security model, it does not trust any device, system or even user by default, even if they are connected to the corporate network using the IP address. Businesses can use "What Is My IP" to check the IP address of the devices. The zero trust security model automatically enhances the security of the office network, even for the remote team, to help prevent data breaches. The zero trust security model works like digital due diligence, where the network does not trust anyone or any device by default before verification.
Identify And Classify Sensitive Data
The first step for protecting sensitive data in data breaches is identifying it. Only when the organization recognizes the sensitive data can it work a roadmap to protect it. An organization can house many sensitive data of different importance. Hence, classification of the sensitive data is crucial too.
After identifying the critical data, firms can work on accessibility management and other data retention policies to protect the data. An organisation should also monitor sensitive data regularly, as it can change depending on the company's focus during a specific time.
Strengthening Of Wi-Fi Routers
The remote team uses their home Wi-Fi connection during remote work to access the company's data. However, the security of the home Wi-Fi connection might always be as strong as the enterprise-grade Wi-Fi network. Therefore, firms must urge remote team members to strengthen their home Wi-Fi network.
Numerous ways to strengthen the home Wi-Fi network's security include changing the router's default password. In addition, one can select network encryption networks like WPA2, WPA and WEP. Also, one must ensure that the routers run on the latest firmware version.
Provide Cybersecurity Knowledge
Organisations must empower employees with cybersecurity knowledge. When employees are empowered with cybersecurity knowledge, they can avoid many cyberattacks, including phishing attacks, a common reason for data breaches within an organization. Firms should organise regular workshops on cybersecurity to keep the employees updated with the latest cyberattack practices for safety purposes.
Document Your Cyber Security Protocols
In order to follow cybersecurity protocols, it is essential to provide employees with a security policy. Drafting a security policy gives the employees a proper framework they understand, follow, and execute. Also, when organisations draw a cybersecurity policy, it is vital to ensure that the employees have easy access to it. The employees should feel free to raise their doubts in case of confusion.
Companies can confirm that they strictly follow the cybersecurity policy by making it an integral part of the onboarding process. Moreover, when the traditional work model is transitioned into a remote one, the employees should acknowledge the policy before transitioning.
Focus On Endpoint Security
Companies with a global working system with a substantial remote work team should focus on the endpoint's security. Endpoint security includes protections for end-user devices such as tablets, laptops and smartphones which the employee uses to access the corporate network. Flaws in endpoint security can give malicious actors access to sensitive data, leading to a data breach.
Installing malware protection, anti-virus software, device management, and firewall enabling are crucial to ensure endpoint security in remote work. Also, organisations should encourage employees to regularly update their software to keep their devices updated with the latest protection.
Even though eliminating the possibility of data breaches in remote teams is not entirely possible, following the tips mentioned above will reduce the associated risk.