Redactie Xafax
Working from home is no longer an exception to the rule. A hybrid way of working, where people work partly on location and partly from home, is becoming the new normal. This brings enormous benefits, but also challenges. The IT environment must also be adapted to this. And especially regarding online security. Many companies still have to take serious steps in this regard.
A good reason to improve the security of the home workplace is that cyber criminals are becoming less successful. Hackers abuse working from home for, among other things, phishing, by pretending to be the HR department that manages working from home. Under the message 'You need to take a number of steps to be able to work well from home', fake websites and links are hidden in order to access valuable information.
What the hackers see even more opportunity in is the change of infrastructure, networks, endpoints, data and software. Many company equipment can also be used privately, while employees also use company networks with poorly secured personal devices.
Of all the security measures that can be taken, measures aimed at endpoints often result in a more secure environment. Various studies show that the majority of vulnerabilities in companies start at endpoints. This is an enormous challenge, especially for large companies that have thousands of devices as endpoints. This also provides thousands of points for hackers to penetrate the organization.
This has been protected with antivirus software for a long time. But it is also often advised to use so-called next-generation antivirus for endpoints. This uses algorithms to detect known and unknown threats. In addition, Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) is good against ransomware. It detects suspicious activities within your network. EDR solutions offer even better protection than other antivirus protection.
By working remotely, we have not only started using different, more mobile endpoints, but we have also started using data differently. Everyone has started using cloud storage for remote working. This means that employees are no longer dependent on local data from the office, but can easily access the files from home. This also has security advantages. Because all files are in a central location, they can be easily protected.
It is also always advisable to make good backups of the files, including data generated at the home workplace. This prevents data from being completely lost, even in the event of a ransomware attack.
To create the most cyber-safe workplace possible, the employee will also have to go along with making the home workplace safer. Some steps the employee could take alone. This way, the employee can think about whether he has basic security in order. Do the employees have enough knowledge about phishing, two-factor authentication, strong passwords for business accounts and devices, and have all security updates been installed? These steps have been recommended by professionals on these issues for years. But not everyone seems to actually follow this.
Especially when working from home on your own devices, checking these devices is very important. This is because a secure network environment has been created at the company location, but extra attention often needs to be paid here at home. A recent conversation showed how vulnerable home networks are. This is because there is simply not enough security built in. For example, as people get to know their router better, they can set stronger passwords and update their router.
The home workplace has suddenly become a much more important point to include in the security strategy. There are many measures to take, but they are absolutely necessary. This not only makes the home workplace safer, but also the entire office environment. This allows the need for hybrid working to be met without safety concerns and allows the employee to work anywhere.
Consider an employee who can also open his laptop while on the road and, thanks to the extra measures, can also connect securely to the network. This makes an investment in security extra interesting.
Xafax offers you various products and services for your corporate network and security. Are you curious whether your company is sufficiently protected? Please contact us and we will be happy to help you.
