Remember when remote work sounded like a luxury perk few could afford?
Well, it’s the new reality and we need to prepare accordingly.
One of the main concerns that comes up most often in such discussions is security.
The rise of remote work has given cybercriminals more opportunities than ever to exploit vulnerabilities. Without good remote access practices, sensitive company data is at risk. Any breaches can lead to significant financial and reputational damage.
So, how do you make sure your team can work safely, regardless of their location?
By following the best practices for secure remote access:
Key Remote Access Security Risks
We have some good and some bad news.
We’ll start with the bad:
Every time an employee connects to your company’s network from outside the office, your business could be vulnerable to a range of threats.
The key risks are: 
- Unsecured Wi-Fi networks – those working from coffee shops, airports, or other public places often connect to public Wi-Fi, which is a prime target for cybercriminals. These networks are often not encrypted, making it easy for attackers to intercept data.
- Weak or repetitive passwords – the most common cause of data breaches in any work environment. Many people reuse the same passwords across multiple accounts, which makes it easier for hackers to gain access to company systems if one passcode is compromised.
- Phishing attacks – those are another threat that’s also valid for non-remote workers. Phishing messages are designed to look legitimate and trick employees into providing sensitive information like passwords or downloading malicious software.
- Unreliable devices and software – some remote employees rely on personal devices, which may not be properly maintained or updated with the latest software versions. Outdated solutions can contain vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit to gain access to company systems.
- Unauthorised tools – unapproved apps, cloud services, and platforms found on personal computers may not have the necessary security features in place. If sensitive information is stored on such tools, this the risk of data loss or exposure.
Insider threats can be equally dangerous and are not limited to remote workers. These often involve careless actions by employees, such as sharing sensitive information through insecure channels or misplacing devices. And a lost or stolen device can do even more damage than a hacked one.
Now.
The good news:
All of this can be prevented by following some simple remote access security tips.
Best Practices for Remote Access
Don’t worry.
We’ll show you exactly to tackle each security issue head-on and keep company data safe.
There are several things you need to teach your team to do:
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) – those are neat solutions that encrypt all data exchanged between the user and the company network. This means even if someone intercepts the information, it will be unreadable without the encryption key. The best options include NordVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN.
- Recognize and use safe networks – your employees should avoid public Wi-Fi unless absolutely necessary. If they must work outside their homes, ensure they connect through a VPN. Another option is to use their mobile data or a personal hotspot, both of which offer better security.
- Use password managers – as a team leader, you’ll need to set up rules that require complex passwords. Those should be at least 12 characters long, using a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. The best way to ensure your employees are complying and not reusing passwords is to invest in tools like NordPass, 1Password, or LastPass. They both generate strong passcodes and store them securely.
- Activate Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – it requires your team members to provide two or more verification factors to access to your company’s resources. It could be a mobile code or biometrics in addition to their password. You can use Cisco Secure Access, Google Authenticator, or IBM Security Verify.
- Use email filtering tools – those are solutions that scan for malicious attachments, links, or known phishing signatures. Tools like SpamTitan, Mimecast, or Microsoft Defender can identify and block phishing emails before they reach the inbox. Also, encourage employees to report any suspicious emails to the IT team for investigation before taking action.
- Enable automated updates – scheduling automatic updates for all company software is crucial. That’s especially true for applications like VPNs, firewalls, and operating systems. Regular patching minimizes the chance that cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. The whole process will be easier if you provide your employees with company issued devices. Tools like Microsoft Intune or Jamf can push updates, enforce security policies, and ensure compliance across all computers.
- Stick to company-approved apps – it’s up to you to provide a list of approved software and tools for work-related tasks. It should include collaboration platforms, cloud storage solutions, and remote access software. You can use tools like Netskope or Cisco Cloudlock to detect and prevent the use of unauthorized tools.
As a team leader or a decision maker, you’ll need to define clear rules for safe access, acceptable devices, security protocols, and communication channels. This should include guidelines on password creation, the use of VPNs, software updates, and data-sharing practices. Conduct frequent training to educate employees on the newest cybersecurity threats, the best practices for safe remote access, and any new tools you feel like introducing.
Last but not least:
It’s vital to regularly update your remote access policy. Hackers evolve and new threats pop up often, so it’s important to keep pace.
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Wrap Up
The first step to securing your company’s data is ensuring your team can work confidently from anywhere. That’s why you need to teach them all about cybersecurity threats and how to deal with ransomware, phishing, etc.
Your end goal is simple:
To create an environment where flexibility thrives without compromise.
With the right training and tools, your team can keep your business moving forward, no matter where they log in from. So, stay proactive, stay informed, and you’ll ensure your remote workers are as safe as they are productive.
FAQ
What is the best practice for access control?
The best practice for access control is using VPNs to ensure secure remote connections, especially over public or unsecured Wi-Fi. Another good one is to implement multi-factor authentication to make it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.
How to secure remote access?
To secure remote access, ensure employees use safe networks and VPNs. Also, issue a list of approved tools for work-related tasks to minimize vulnerabilities. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) and encourage your team to use password. Last but not least, regularly train employees to follow the best practices for secure remote access.
Is remote access a security risk?
Yes, remote access can be a security risk, particularly when employees connect to company networks from unsecured locations or use personal devices. However, by implementing strong security protocols and training employees, organizations can mitigate these risks and maintain data security.
