Common Security Risks for Remote Workers

Remote working is on the rise. As cloud and mobile technology change how we work, it’s becoming easier than ever to go paperless, enabling remote and flexible working anywhere, anytime.

A 60 percent staff ratio is anticipated to return to the office between 2021 and 2022 in 2021. This is an improvement from a previous survey where about 37% of participants expressed confidence in returning to work in an office setting. This development highlights the advantages of face-to-face collaboration in the workplace. ~Statista

However, with increased convenience came increased remote work security risks. Since email remains a primary means of communication among partners, businesses, employees, and customers, it has become a key target. Cybercriminals always seek ways to steal sensitive data (passwords and credit card numbers) and make illegal profits, constantly inventing new methods. Today, more and more companies employ remote workers around the globe. Workers don’t always give much attention to remote security. This makes it easier for cybercriminals to reach their target audience and cause damage from a distance. Security vulnerabilities can lead to the leakage of confidential information, which can have serious consequences for companies and their customers, as well as for individual users.

Let’s look at some major remote work security risks and tips for ensuring remote workplace security.

Remote Working 5 Security Risks

Remote working is a great opportunity but comes with risks that must be managed. Here are five common remote work security risks to look out for:

• Susceptibility to Phishing, Malware, and Email Scams

Phishing, malware, and email scams (including email spoofing, which involves forging the sender’s address or domain name) are all forms of cybercrime that can affect any employee. However, remote workers are especially vulnerable because they’re out of sight of their colleagues, who may spot suspicious activity more easily. Malware can enter systems via email attachments or links, stealing information or using computer resources for harmful activities.

With virtual office workers often not in the office and less likely to be familiar with their colleagues, they are more susceptible to phishing scams. Attackers try to obtain confidential information by disguising themselves as a trusted source, often a senior executive or a colleague. In fact, remote workers cause 2x as many security incidents as onsite workers. They may receive emails from someone claiming to be a member of their team who requests access to sensitive information or money transfers. Phishing attacks can be very convincing, so it’s crucial to learn how to recognize their signs.

Simplify Remote Work Security with PowerDMARC!

• Unencrypted File Sharing and Communication

Workers, while working remotely, can share files via email or instant messenger without encryption software. Anyone accessing these messages can read them and take advantage of confidential information. Email encryption provides an additional layer of security, ensuring that even if communication is intercepted, the contents cannot be easily accessed. Companies must require all employees who work remotely – regardless of how often they do – to use encrypted file-sharing tools such as Dropbox or Google Drive, and utilize email encryption where necessary. Avoid sending sensitive personal data like financial details or social security numbers via unencrypted email.

• Using Weak Passwords

The weakest link in any security system is always the user’s password. If your employees use weak passwords, hackers can easily gain access to their devices and networks using brute force methods such as dictionary attacks and rainbow tables. 

It would help if you enforced strong password policies to ensure remote security. You can do this by requiring complex passwords that contain not only uppercase and lowercase letters, but also numbers and special characters, put together in a combination that is not easy to decipher or tied to memorable dates. Additionally, implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection by requiring additional identity verification via biometrics or SMS.

• Misconfigurations in the Public Cloud

More than one-fourth of information security professionals polled said their organizations had experienced a security incident in the public cloud infrastructure within the previous year, and security misconfigurations were the main culprit, according to the “2022 Cloud Security Report” by network security software provider Check Point Software Technologies.

Security misconfigurations are one of the most common reasons for breaches, which is why it’s important to keep up-to-date with patches and security updates across all software, not just cloud services. Attackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. If you’re using a public cloud provider, like Amazon Web Services (AWS), ensure they have good documentation on configuring their systems securely. ensure you’re using their latest services configured properly, including using remote device deployment to streamline updates and maintain security, and keep monitoring your AWS costs to check for any abnormalities.

• Using Personal Devices for Work

The practice of using personal devices for work among remote workers and companies hiring international employees introduces various security concerns. Firstly, it means that you are using devices that are not under your control. This can lead to data being stored in unencrypted locations, which increases the risk of data loss or theft. In addition, if these devices get infected with malware or spyware, your entire network could be at risk.

Best Security Practices for Working From Home

Working from home is a wonderful luxury but can also be risky. If you’re not careful, your home can become an easy target for cybercriminals. Cybersecurity literacy should be a priority for all employees.

Here are some security tips for working remotely to protect yourself and ensure remote security:

Use Anti-Phishing Solutions and Be Wary

You should already be using an anti-phishing solution by PowerDMARC on your computer and mobile devices, but it’s especially important when working at home. You may have a greater chance of falling victim to phishing attacks because of your time on your devices — and these attacks can be very convincing. Be wary of suspicious emails: avoid opening attachments and clicking on links from unknown sources. Check the sender’s address and read the content of the email carefully to avoid missing any signs of phishing.

Protect Your Domains with DMARC

Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance (DMARC) is an email security standard that helps prevent fraudulent emails, including spoofed ones, from reaching your inbox. With DMARC in place, ISPs will reject emails if they don’t come from the correct domain name or if they don’t have the correct DKIM signature. This helps protect against phishing scams and other types of spam emails.

Keep Work Data on Work Computers (or Use Secure Alternatives)

Using company-issued laptops and tablets for personal tasks is tempting especially when they provide IT equipment for employees, but there are better ideas than using company-issued laptops and tablets. If you don’t have access to the same level of protection you get at work, ensure you don’t bring any sensitive data home unnecessarily. If you need to store sensitive information on a device that isn’t managed by IT, at least encrypt it so that if it gets lost or stolen, no one else can access it. You could also solve this issue by accessing in-house hardware elsewhere using a remote desktop solution, avoiding sensitive data being stored permanently on personal devices. There are MSP remote desktop options out there, but these could be suitable for average employees as well, not just managed service providers.

Don’t Forget WiFi Security

The most common way to connect remotely is over WiFi (or sometimes wired Ethernet), but these connections are often less secure than those within an office network. To protect yourself when working from home or another business location, look for networks with “WPA2” or “WPA3” encryption (all new routers should have this). And never share passwords with anyone else — even friends or family members who might want to use your WiFi hotspot.

Use a VPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) or site-to-site VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it inaccessible to intruders, hackers, ISPs, or government agencies trying to intercept and read your data. This is especially important when using public WiFi networks. Moreover, a VPN can help ensure your online anonymity, making it harder for hackers to track you on the internet.

Keep Software Up to Date

Attackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software, so keeping your operating system, browser, and other applications up to date with the latest patches and security updates is critical for protection against known threats.

Implement Access Control

Organizations should limit access to confidential information only to those employees who genuinely need it to perform their duties. Ensure processes are in place to remove access for former employees in a timely manner to prevent unauthorized entry.

Ensure Data Backup

Regular data backups will protect against data loss in the event of a malware attack (like ransomware) or technical problems. Ensure backups are stored securely and tested regularly.

Provide Security Training

Utilize specialized email security training programs and general cybersecurity awareness training for remote workers and employees. This ensures they are aware of the latest threats (like sophisticated phishing tactics) and understand security best practices.

Block the Sight Lines

One of the physical remote job security risks when working from home or public spaces is someone seeing your computer screen (“shoulder surfing”). This could be a neighbor through a window, someone walking by, or a person sitting nearby. If someone can see what’s on your screen, they could potentially steal data, passwords, or other sensitive information. Consider using privacy screens and being mindful of your surroundings.

Final Words

Remote working can be an amazing benefit for companies and employees, but it does introduce several remote work security risks that must be managed. Whether you’re a freelancer, working with a team of remote employees, or running a business where remote workers are common, there are simple steps to protecting your business’s data and identity. By following security best practices, implementing technical controls like DMARC and VPNs, providing training, and staying alert, you can significantly reduce risks and avoid many of the worst-case scenarios, ensuring a safer remote work environment.

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Ahona Rudra

Domain & Email Security Expert at PowerDMARC

Ahona is the Marketing Manager at PowerDMARC, with 5+ years of experience in writing about cybersecurity topics, specializing in domain and email security. Ahona holds a post-graduation degree in Journalism and Communications, solidifying her career in the security sector since 2019.

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