Global Survey: Is Your Remote Workforce Secure?

The remote workforce has brought many cybersecurity challenges for organisations. As employees log in to corporate networks from home, the security of the network and devices becomes the utmost priority. The visibility over the cybersecurity threats and exposure is not as clear as compared to the times when employees would work in their office space.

Crowdstrike, one of Inflow’s cybersecurity partners, contributes to the cause by sharing best practices and tools that organisations can use in the current situation.

Crowdstrike talks about a global survey, ‘Work Security Index’ that reveals how well organisations have adapted themselves to secure their remote workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 4000 senior decision-makers from various countries participated in the survey which was conducted by a research firm.

Organisations need to take appropriate measures against cyberattacks

Over 50% of the respondents are working remotely due to the global pandemic COVID-19. Among these, 60% of the respondents use their personal devices, including mobile devices for work. Although a majority of them believe their devices are secure against cybersecurity threats, unpatched devices create serious cybersecurity challenges.

Unfortunately, 53% of the respondents say their organisation has not trained them on any additional cybersecurity risks related to remote work. This is a considerate challenge for small businesses. CrowdStrike data reveals that cyberattacks are escalating and appropriate training is of absolute importance. While adversaries are preying on remote workforce through phishing, ransomware and many other techniques, organisations need to increase awareness among their employees and deploy required measures in place.

Secure network and devices are key to secure data

A few businesses assume that they are not under the threat of cyberattacks in the current situation. When in reality, it’s quite the opposite. From February 2020 to April 2020, hundreds of COVID-19 named malicious files have been found, and there are no signs of decrease.

Cybercriminals are targeting remote workforce by posing themselves as the World Health Organisation with COVID-19 related news and guidelines. While organisations expect complete efficiency from their employees, it becomes their duty to ensure the security of their networks, devices and data.

Critical Factors in Securing a Remote Workforce

• The cybersecurity policy should have equal importance for in-office and work-from-home environments
• Empower employees by educating them about the security measures to be taken
• Organisations must have crisis management and incident response plans in place

In the wake of COVID-19, remote working is becoming the new normal.

Businesses can ensure efficient workflow, no matter where the employee works from, by placing the security of the organisation on top priority.