Employees today demand to work remotely, and this creates a challenge for IT support teams, who must provide the tools that make remote work possible while keeping the firm’s data secure. Remote workers are particularly challenging for IT support teams because they work outside the protection of the corporate security infrastructure and they often use their own devices, which may not be maintained in accordance with company standards for patching and security. The following tools will help you provide employees the opportunity to work from home without sacrificing the security of your critical systems.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

A VPN is a critical tool for remote workers. VPNs provide a secure connection to the company’s network over the internet by encrypting data transmitted between the user’s device and the network. This allows remote workers to use the internet, which is a public network, and even public Wi-Fi networks while keeping sensitive information hidden from cybercriminals. If you own a firewall, chances are you can add licensing to allow VPN connections from clients to the firewall.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to access accounts or systems. This could include something they know (a password), something they have (a smartphone), or something they are (fingerprint or facial recognition). Implementing MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Because passwords can easily be compromised by phishing attempts and then shared among threat actors online, MFA is highly recommended for remote users. With MFA installed, having access to a user’s password is not enough to gain access to their account.

Endpoint Security Solutions

With remote workers using various devices, endpoint security solutions are essential to protect against malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. Most IT support teams have an Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) or application whitelisting solution in place. Make sure that devices that are granted access to your network have endpoint security installed and also receive regular patches and updates.  Some advanced endpoint security tools can be configured not to allow a device to access your network unless it is a known device that meets conditions related to patching, updates, and endpoint security.

Secure Collaboration Tools

Remote work relies heavily on digital collaboration tools for communication and project management. It’s important to choose platforms that offer end-to-end encryption and robust security features to protect data shared among team members. Tools like secure messaging apps, video conferencing software, and cloud-based document sharing services should be vetted for their security capabilities. It is important to teach your users that email is not a secure collaboration tool, especially when they are away from the office.

Regular Security Training

While not a tool in the traditional sense, regular security training is vital for keeping remote workers informed about the latest threats and best practices. Training sessions should cover topics such as recognizing phishing attempts, creating strong passwords, and safely handling sensitive information. An informed workforce is a key component of a robust security strategy. In our experience, this training is very effective in helping users avoid phishing attempts.

Conclusion

Securing remote workers requires a combination of technology and education. By implementing tools like VPNs, MFA, and endpoint security solutions, organizations can give their team the freedom to work in the location they desire without sacrificing security. For more information about securing remote work, reach out to our sales team.