It’s been a while since work has moved from the office to the home, and it looks like this setup is here to stay. Experts predict that roughly 92 million people will work in remote digital roles by 2030, which is a 25% jump from 2024. Remote work is great for businesses since they don’t have to bear overhead expenses, and it also lets them access global talent. However, this shift comes with new dangers, making robust cybersecurity essential for protecting data, systems, and distributed teams.
When employees work from different locations and devices, cybercriminals gain more opportunities to exploit weak points. Hackers are increasingly targeting remote businesses to steal sensitive data, disrupt operations, or demand ransoms.
A data breach costs $4.4 million on average. Remote companies, however, end up spending 10% more on average than traditional companies.
Building a robust cybersecurity framework is the only way to protect your remote business from hackers. Here are a few tips to help you do that:
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#1 Lock Down Access with Strong Authentication
Physical locks and security guards were once the primary defenses of businesses. But in the remote setup, the front door is the login screen of every application the team uses. This shift means that identity has become the most critical security boundary.
If an attacker steals any of your remote employees’ passwords, they don’t just get into that one account. Rather, they often gain a foothold in the entire company network.
Passwords with symbols, numbers, and capital letters are not enough anymore. Encourage your employees to use passphrases. These are long strings of four or more random words (like correct-battery-staple-horse). These are mathematically harder for hackers to crack but much easier for employees to type.
You must lock down access with multi-factor authentication (MFA). Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency notes that implementing MFA can block up to 99% of automated cyberattacks.
MFA usually involves a code sent to a phone or an app. Users need at least two forms of proof to log in, such as a password and something they have, such as a code sent to their phone or an authentication app.
#2 Back Up Data Regularly for Robust Cybersecurity
No matter how many walls you build, sometimes things go wrong. A laptop gets stolen, a server crashes, or a ransomware attack encrypts files. Backups are the ultimate safety net for remote businesses in such cases.
Follow the 3-2-1 rule for data backups. You should have 3 copies of data, 1 original and 2 backup copies. Save data on 2 different types of devices, such as an external hard drive (HDD) and cloud. Keep 1 copy off-site. For remote businesses, keeping backup data in a different site can be difficult.
Don’t worry; companies offering cybersecurity as a service can help. Managed providers can handle off-site backups in secure, compliant data centers, so you’re not relying on someone’s home Wi-Fi or personal device.
According to Allen Business Machines, providers manage data within HIPAA-compliant and SAS70 Type II certified data centers. That provides an extra layer of protection and regulatory oversight.
In cities like Fort Wayne, where organizations such as the Fort Wayne Medical Education Program have experienced data breaches, reliable backups aren’t optional. Renowned experts offering cybersecurity services in Fort Wayne help ensure your data is protected, recoverable, and ready when you need it most.
#3 Choose Tools with Robust Cybersecurity Built In
Remote teams need software to communicate and work together. These are tools like Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. When selecting these, safety should come first. This is called security by design.
Look for tools that offer features like encryption (both in transit and at rest). When data moves from one computer to another, it travels over the internet. Cyber attackers can try to peek at it while it moves. Encryption scrambles the data into a secret code. Only the right person can unscramble it.
End-to-end encryption, or E2EE, is the best kind. It keeps messages private from everyone. This includes the internet provider and even the app company itself. Only the person receiving it can open it.
In a remote setup, the home network is part of the business. Most home routers are not as safe as office ones. There are simple steps to fix this.
Change the name and password of your Wi-Fi. Many people keep the ones that come on a sticker on the box. Hackers can find those lists online easily. Second, turn on “WPA3” encryption in the settings. This is the newest and safest way to lock a Wi-Fi signal.
Long-Term Security for the Remote Future
Remote work offers incredible flexibility, freedom, and growth opportunities. But that freedom only works when it’s protected by a strong cybersecurity framework.
Building this robust cybersecurity framework is an investment. It takes a little time and some money. But compared to the cost of a data breach, it is a bargain. A safe business is a successful business. So, follow these tips, and you can build a fortress that keeps the bad people out. That would be a big win for you.
