What Are the Cybersecurity Risks of Remote Work?

Working remotely has allowed organizations to enhance their efficiency and provide employees with flexibility. However, remote work comes with cybersecurity risks that can often lead to data breaches and jeopardize an organization’s security. The five cybersecurity risks of remote work are using weak passwords, an insecure internet connection, unencrypted file sharing, an expanded attack surface and the use of personal devices.

Continue reading to learn more about the five cybersecurity risks of working remotely, the cyber attacks used by cybercriminals to target remote workers and how to stay safe while working remotely.

5 Cybersecurity Risks of Working Remotely

Working remotely comes with security risks that can lead to data breaches. Here are the five cybersecurity risks of working remotely.

Weak passwords

Passwords are the first line of defense in protecting an organization’s sensitive data. Weak passwords are the biggest risk of working remotely. With a lack of direct monitoring, remote workers tend to neglect password security and use weak passwords. Weak passwords can easily be cracked by cybercriminals – providing them unauthorized access to a remote worker’s online accounts and an organization’s sensitive data. Cybercriminals find it easier to exploit human error than bypass advanced security solutions.

Weak passwords:

• Are less than 16 characters
• Include personal information
• Lack uppercase letters, numbers and special characters
• Include sequential numbers or letters
• Use common dictionary words
• Are reused across multiple accounts

Insecure internet connection

Remote workers have to rely on their home or public WiFi networks to access their work files. However, public WiFi networks are insecure because they are unencrypted and allow cybercriminals to easily view and steal transmitted data. Home WiFi networks can be safe to use if they are properly secured; however, if home WiFi networks are not secured, they can be hacked by cybercriminals who can infect connected IoT devices with malware or view unencrypted data. 

Unencrypted file sharing

Organizations often encrypt files stored on their network so they can be securely shared with on-site employees. However, without the proper resources, remote workers may opt to use unencrypted file-sharing methods such as email or other messaging apps. Using unencrypted file sharing can jeopardize the security of an organization, as these methods can easily be hacked and accessed by cybercriminals.

Expanded attack surface

An attack surface refers to all the possible entry points where cybercriminals can access a system and steal data. Organizations have to share system access with remote workers outside of their on-premises security environment. With remote employees working outside of the organization’s firewalls, they have to use personal internet networks to access the organization’s sensitive data. IT departments have weaker control over the devices and networks remote workers use and cannot guarantee the security of passwords, web applications, network protocols, coding, system access points and APIs. With a larger attack surface, organizations run the risk of unauthorized access to their systems and data.

Personal devices

Organizations will provide their employees with the necessary equipment to do their jobs. However, some organizations will ask employees to provide their own devices. This introduces a huge security risk because many personal devices do not have the security software and features that encrypt and protect them. Personal work devices are more susceptible to cyber attacks than company-issued ones. Many employees also use their personal devices for non-work-related tasks. This could lead to device compromise, putting an organization’s sensitive data at risk.

Common Cyber Attacks That Target Remote Workers

Cybercriminals use a variety of cyber attacks to target remote workers and exploit their security vulnerabilities. Here are the common cyber attacks that target remote workers.

Malware

Malware is malicious software that cybercriminals use to cause infections, steal sensitive data and damage devices. Cybercriminals infect a user’s device by exploiting cybersecurity vulnerabilities such as software bugs and human error. They use a variety of methods to deliver malware, including spoofed websites, Trojans, malvertising, phishing, exploit kits, drive-by downloads and previously installed malware. Without the security controls of IT administrators, remote workers can easily download malware by mistake – compromising their devices and their organization’s data.

Phishing

Phishing is a type of cyber attack in which cybercriminals trick victims into revealing their personal information. Cybercriminals send an email or text message with a malicious attachment or link for the victim to click on. If the user clicks on the malicious link, they are taken to a spoofed website that either downloads malware on their device or prompts them to give up their personal information. 

Cybercriminals often use phishing to steal a user’s login credentials and give them access to an organization’s sensitive data. Without proper cybersecurity training, remote workers can easily fall victim to phishing attacks.

Password-related attacks

Password-related attacks happen when cybercriminals try to gain unauthorized access to online accounts and sensitive information by guessing passwords. Cybercriminals target remote workers since most use weak, predictable passwords or reuse the same password across multiple accounts.

Common password-related attacks include:

• Brute force: When cybercriminals use a program or tool to guess login credentials using trial and error. The tool will go through every letter, number or symbol combination in its programming to guess a user’s login credentials.
• Dictionary attack: When cybercriminals use a tool to go through a wordlist of commonly used dictionary words, phrases or patterns and any variations of these words to guess a user’s login credentials.
• Credential stuffing: When a cybercriminal obtains a set of verified login credentials from a data breach, dark web or cyber attack and uses it to gain access to multiple accounts that use the same login credentials.
• Password spraying: When cybercriminals try to pair a commonly used password with a list of verified usernames until they get a match. Once the cybercriminal goes through the list of usernames with the commonly used password, they repeat the process with a different commonly used password.

Man-in-the-middle attacks

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks are a type of cyber attack in which cybercriminals intercept transmitted data between two exchanging parties. Cybercriminals rely on fabricated or public WiFi networks since they are unencrypted and allow cybercriminals to view any connected internet traffic. MITM attacks allow cybercriminals to eavesdrop, steal or alter transmitted data. 

Remote workers are susceptible to MITM attacks if they use public WiFi networks or do not secure their home WiFi. If a remote worker is accessing sensitive files on an unencrypted WiFi network, cybercriminals can view and steal the files or alter them to deliver malware to the user’s device. 

How To Stay Safe While Working Remotely

Working remotely comes with many cybersecurity risks that can jeopardize an organization. Here are some ways employees can stay safe online while working remotely.

Use strong and unique passwords

To protect online accounts from being compromised, remote workers need to use strong and unique passwords. A strong password makes it difficult for cybercriminals to crack a user’s password. Passwords should also be unique to prevent cybercriminals from compromising multiple accounts. A strong password is a unique and random combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters, and is at least 16 characters long. It avoids including any personal information, sequential numbers or letters and commonly used dictionary words.

Use a password manager

To help generate and manage strong and unique passwords, remote workers should use a password manager. A password manager is a tool that securely stores and manages your personal information in a digitally encrypted vault. With a password manager, your personal information is protected by multiple layers of encryption and can only be accessed using a strong master password. A password manager ensures that your online accounts are protected by identifying weak passwords and prompting you to strengthen them. A good password manager also allows you to safely share passwords and other important documents with your organization.

Enable MFA

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security protocol that requires an additional step for authentication. Remote workers should enable MFA to protect their online accounts from unauthorized access. With MFA enabled, remote workers need to provide their login credentials and an extra form of verification to access their accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of security and only allows access to authorized users. Even if a user’s login credentials are compromised, cybercriminals cannot access the account because they cannot provide the additional authentication.

Keep your software up to date

Cybercriminals will exploit the security vulnerabilities of outdated software to gain unauthorized access to a device and deliver malware. To help reduce your attack surface and prevent cybercriminals from exploiting security vulnerabilities, you should keep your software up to date. Software updates patch any security flaws and add security features that better protect your device.

Install antivirus software

Antivirus software is a program that detects, prevents and removes known malware from a device. It scans through your device to find any hidden malware and safely remove it. High-end antivirus software can detect incoming malware and remove it before it can infect your device. Remote workers need to install antivirus software on their work devices to ensure malware does not infect them and steal any company data.

Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that secures your internet connection and protects your online privacy by masking your IP address and encrypting your internet connection. A VPN helps remote workers remain anonymous online and allows them to securely access sensitive data anywhere, including on home and public WiFi networks. Remote workers should use a VPN to encrypt their organization’s sensitive data and ensure cybercriminals cannot read it. 

Stay educated about the latest cyber threats

While working remotely, employees need to stay educated about the latest cyber threats. Cybercriminals are developing new ways to attack organizations and steal their sensitive information. Employees need to learn about cyber threats, so they can recognize and avoid falling victim to them.

Use Keeper® To Avoid the Cybersecurity Risks of Working Remotely

The five cybersecurity risks of working remotely are weak passwords, insecure WiFi networks, unencrypted file sharing, expanded attack surface and the use of personal devices. However, remote workers can mitigate these risks using cybersecurity best practices. Remote workers should also use a password manager to avoid using weak passwords, reduce their attack surface and securely share files. A password manager ensures your online accounts are protected with strong and unique passwords and encrypts everything stored in your digital vault, allowing for secure password sharing.

Sign up for a free trial of Keeper Password Manager to help avoid the cybersecurity risks of working remotely.