Is remote work really causing concern among CISOs?

The landfall of the COVID-19 epidemic has fundamentally changed the way we conduct business, popularizing the concept of remote work among the masses. While remote working grants multiple advantages to employers and employees, it has sparked worries about cybersecurity risks. As a consequence, securing organizations’ digital infrastructure in this new environment has become difficult for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). 

Cybersecurity risks increased due to remote employment

Many businesses may not be equipped to manage the new cybersecurity risks that remote work brings. Employees generally use their personal devices and home networks to access business resources, which gives cybercriminals new opportunities to attack these networks. They also use home routers and other smart devices as entry points into business networks by abusing default passwords and other flaws.

Today, the increased use of cloud-based apps, virtual private networks (VPNs), and other remote access tools has made it simpler for cybercriminals to access confidential data, despite the difficulties of working from anywhere. It's possible that remote employees fail to adhere to security precautions (like updating software frequently, creating strong passwords, and avoiding public Wi-Fi), giving attackers an edge. 

In the end, the main objective is to reduce cybersecurity risks in hybrid workplaces, where workers (working remotely and in the office) present special cybersecurity challenges that call for an all-encompassing strategy. It’s advisable to use a multi-layered security strategy, which includes adopting secure remote access tools, training staff members on security, and routinely checking network traffic for unusual activity. 

Regular security guidance for staff

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released a report addressing the cybersecurity risks of working remotely. According to the report, "cybercriminals are launching attacks on businesses and individuals by taking advantage of the increased use of remote work." The study suggests that businesses adopt a risk-based strategy for cybersecurity and give staff members regular security training. 

Experts also discuss the increase in remote work and ways to reduce cybersecurity risks. They encourage the use of multi-factor authentication and remote access tools like VPNs to avoid unauthorized access. 

Conclusion

To guarantee the safety and security of their digital infrastructure, businesses must handle new cybersecurity risks brought about by remote work. CISOs should implement a thorough security strategy, including securing remote access tools, educating staff members about security, and routinely watching network traffic. By doing this, companies can reduce the dangers of remote work and safeguard their digital assets from online attacks.

The article has been written by Kush Kaushik Co-founder and Operations Lead, Scrut Automation