How can you secure your computer network when employees work remotely?

1 Use a VPN

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and a remote server. A VPN allows you to access your company's network and resources as if you were on-site, while hiding your IP address and location from hackers and snoopers. A VPN also protects your data from being intercepted or tampered with by malicious actors on public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. You should provide your employees with a reliable and reputable VPN service and instruct them to use it whenever they work remotely.

2 Implement MFA

MFA, or multi-factor authentication, is a method of verifying your identity by requiring more than one piece of evidence before granting access to your account or system. For example, you may need to enter a password and a code sent to your phone or email, or use a biometric feature such as your fingerprint or face. MFA adds an extra layer of security to your computer network by preventing unauthorized access even if someone steals or guesses your password. You should enable MFA for all your employees and for all your sensitive and critical applications and systems.

3 Update your software

Keeping your software updated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to secure your computer network when employees work remotely. Software updates often contain patches and fixes for vulnerabilities and bugs that hackers can exploit to gain access to your data and devices. You should ensure that your employees update their operating systems, browsers, antivirus, firewall, and other software regularly and automatically. You should also provide them with guidance and support on how to perform and verify updates safely and correctly.

4 Educate your employees

Your employees are your first line of defense against cyberattacks, but they can also be your weakest link if they are not aware of the risks and best practices of working remotely. You should educate your employees on how to recognize and avoid common cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, malware, and social engineering. You should also provide them with clear and consistent policies and procedures on how to use and store their devices, passwords, and data securely. You should also encourage them to report any suspicious or unusual activity or incident to your IT team or security officer.

5 Monitor your network

Monitoring your network is essential for detecting and responding to any potential or actual cyberattacks or breaches when employees work remotely. You should use tools and software that can track and analyze the activity and performance of your network, devices, and users. You should also set up alerts and notifications that can inform you of any abnormal or suspicious behavior or event on your network. You should also have a backup and recovery plan that can restore your data and operations in case of a disaster or emergency.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?