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Cybersecurity risks with teleworking
Several phenomena are perceived as threats to the company network when employees are teleworking. In fact, cybercriminals use the mobile worker's computer to access their company's computer system using the following techniques.
- Phishing: some cybercriminals manage to recover confidential information (bank or personal information, passwords for example) through a fraudulent site. In particular, remote workers receive emails, calls or texts that seem to come from trustworthy people. Those who practice this practice seek to steal information for illicit use.
- Ransomware: This is malicious software that prevents the user of his computer from accessing files by encrypting them. The recovery of access to the files is then subject to the payment of a ransom. Generally, malicious software operates when the remote worker opens a file, or clicks on a malicious link received in an email.
- Data theft : cybercriminals break into the company's network or its external hosting (cloud), and therefore into the computers of remote workers, to steal data from them. It is then a question for those who practice it to resell the information obtained, to disseminate it to harm the organization or to subject it to a form of blackmail.
- False bank transfer orders : this threat arises when an individual impersonates the company manager, or one of its agents, to request an exceptional and confidential transfer, or a request to change the payment details (RIB) of an invoice or salary.
The risks associated with these practices are significant: private or professional messengers can be hacked. As a result, cybercriminals who get their way can gain access to passwords for online services, bank accounts, or even technical documents, customer files, that remote workers have on their computers.
Cybersecurity best practices to adopt when working from home
As a remote worker, you can take action to protect yourself and your business from cyber attackers.
First, it is very important to separate professional use from personal use: if you can, separate your devices so as not to risk generating security breaches that could harm you and your business. It is also essential that you apply the safety guidelines established within your company.
Then, as soon as updates are available, do them on your devices (computer, tablet, phone) and install an antivirus on each of them. Also, adopt the reflex to be wary of unexpected messages, because it can be a phishing attack.
Finally, try to use passwords that ensure your security: whether personal or professional, try to diversify them by creating logs and complex ones. Many cyberattacks are linked to the simplicity of passwords or their reuse. Also remember to secure your WiFi connection, to be vigilant about the origin of the applications you want to download, and to avoid suspicious or fraudulent websites.
The role of businesses in cybersecurity when working from home
As an employer, you can also set up several devices to ensure the cybersecurity of your organization and that of your employees.
First, you are encouraged to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which allows the transit of electronic communications in a secure and encrypted manner. This system guarantees total confidentiality of the data that passes through this service. It's a great way to protect content owned by remote workers from cybercriminals. In particular, it is a useful device when employees need to connect to their company from a public Internet access point.
Then, to improve security, you can set up antivirus and firewall software on employee computers. They help protect workstations, as security rules are established in order to minimize the intrusion of users into the company system.
Finally, installing software security updates ensures cybersecurity. Regularly, software companies report updates when a security breach is detected.
