An article by Kamal Reggad, co-founder and CEO of RemotePass

Remote work has evolved from a short-term fix to a cornerstone of modern business, and the topic of data security has never been more critical. This shift necessitates a profound change in how we perceive and implement data protection strategies. In the digital age, where boundaries between personal and professional spaces blur, fostering digital awareness and resilience emerges as a critical necessity, not just a supplementary skill. 87% of businesses worldwide acknowledge cyber attacks as their number one threat, ranking above economic downturn and skill shortages.

This fear is legitimate, with more than 50% of businesses facing a cyber threat in the past 12 months. These attacks can have many drastic consequences, including contractual breaches, significant financial losses, and the potential for reputational damage, highlighting the urgent need for businesses to invest in robust cybersecurity measures.

Building awareness for digital security among your team members is certainly the first step, helping them upskill and recognise potential threats ahead of time. However, resilience is the crucial next step. Organisations need to equip themselves and their teams to manage threats, respond to situations, and, ultimately, act as the last line of defence between their organisation and cyber attacks and threats. 

Educate and Inform Your Workforce

56% of leaders believe their employees lack the necessary knowledge when it comes to cybersecurity awareness, highlighting a gap in how organisations approach the subject. Organisations must therefore rethink their current strategy and ensure that they have strong training and develop programmes that are focused on cybersecurity and are tailored to their industry, sector, and organisational design.

Employees should be made aware of the various tactics used by cybercriminals and how to report suspicious activities. Regular updates and refresher courses are necessary to keep abreast of the latest cyber threats and protection strategies.

Digital resilience goes beyond mere awareness; it equips people and organisations to actively counter security threats. Companies should:

• Develop strong incident response plans.
• Cultivate a security-conscious culture where everyone feels responsible and empowered to protect data.
• Encourage open reporting of incidents without fear of blame.

Unlocking Insights, Locking Down Risk: Why Your Access Control Plan Matters

To safeguard data in remote work, prioritise deploying advanced security measures such as end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and secure file-sharing platforms. These technologies, essential in a cybersecurity market growing to $136 billion by 2028, act as a primary defence against cyber threats. 

Companies need to implement strict access controls by applying the “least privilege principle”. Under this, employees should only be granted access to the information that’s deemed necessary for the performance of their day-to-day duty relevant to their roles. This approach, along with regular audits to adjust or revoke access, drastically lowers data breach risks. Despite these measures, breaches can occur, highlighting the need for a solid incident response plan. Surprisingly, 36% of companies lack such a plan. A comprehensive strategy for containment, eradication, and recovery, regularly tested and updated, is crucial for resilience against the evolving cyber threat landscape.

Ensure Compliance and Assess Third-Party Vendors Thoroughly 

Data security in remote work also demands reevaluating legal and regulatory compliance. Organisations must stay informed about the latest data protection laws and regulations, and ensure that their remote work policies are in compliance at all times. This protects the organisation from legal repercussions and reinforces its commitment to protecting sensitive information.

In addition to internal measures, organisations must also consider the security practices of third-party vendors and partners. Research found that just 23% of security and risk leaders monitor their vendors’ approach to cybersecurity. Any system, no matter how sophisticated, is only as strong as its weakest link, and a breach in a partner's system can compromise the security of all connected organisations. Conducting robust due diligence while selecting partners and conducting regular security assessments are crucial to mitigating these risks.

Manage the Human Factors Impacting Security 

Technology isn't the sole solution to cyber threats; it must be paired with human vigilance and a robust organisational security strategy. Recent research from Stanford University found that 88% of data breaches are caused by human error. Social engineering attacks exploit human psychology, rather than technological vulnerabilities, to gain access to confidential information. Therefore, it’s vital to prepare your team for these attacks and develop a strong organisational culture that prioritises security. This culture is cultivated through leadership by example, where management demonstrates a commitment to data security through their actions and policies.

Data security in remote work extends beyond the confines of organisational boundaries. It encompasses the personal cybersecurity practices of employees, as their personal devices and networks can also be entry points for cybercriminals. Encouraging employees to apply the same level of vigilance and security measures at home as they would in the office is part of fostering comprehensive digital awareness and resilience.

The ongoing shift to remote work necessitates organisations to rethink their approach to data security, where digital awareness and resilience are at the forefront. Education, technology, organisational culture, and preparedness are the pillars on which this approach rests. By investing in these areas, organisations can not only protect their data but also build a more informed and resilient workforce — one that’s capable of navigating the complexities of the digital world. As we continue to embrace remote work, let us also embrace the opportunity to foster a safer, more secure digital environment for all.