Out of respect for employees, many businesses have adopted hybrid work arrangements that consist of days working remotely and other days in the office. While this has benefits, such as increased flexibility and productivity, it also poses some challenges for cybersecurity. Remote workers may use unsecured networks, devices or applications that expose the business to cyberattacks, data breaches or compliance violations. Therefore, it is essential for businesses to implement some best practices to ensure cybersecurity with employees working remotely or traveling to and from the office.  

Establish Clear Policies and Guidelines for Remote Work.  These should include the acceptable use of devices, networks and applications. 

Establish Clear Policies for Loss of Data or Devices.  If a device is stolen outside of the office, it is necessary to have a policy in place that states who is responsible for the lost device as well as any data that may have been breached.  This includes external drives or backup devices.   

Provide Training and Awareness Programs for Remote Workers. These should cover the basics of cybersecurity, such as password management, phishing prevention and data protection. 

Implement Security Tools and Solutions. These tools may include VPNs, encryption, firewalls, antivirus software and multifactor authentication. 

Monitor and Audit the Remote Work Environment. Organizations should regularly check the security status of the devices, networks and applications used by remote workers, and conduct audits to identify any vulnerabilities or risks. 

Communicate and Collaborate with Remote Workers. Organizations should maintain regular communication and feedback channels with remote workers and provide them with support and guidance on cybersecurity issues. 

By following these tips, businesses can enhance cybersecurity with employees working remotely and protect their data, assets and reputation from cyberattacks.