Managing Cybersecurity Risks in a Remote Workforce: Safeguarding Your Business in 2024 and Beyond

As remote work becomes a permanent fixture, small companies face a shifting cybersecurity landscape. The flexibility of remote work has brought productivity gains and cost savings—but it has also exposed businesses to new cyber threats. 

With employees connecting from varied locations and often using personal devices, data protection has become both complex and critical.

We recently spoke with 🧑💻 Sharon Knowles (CCCi)(3CIA)(CCI) , Cybercrime Investigator and Intelligence Analyst at Da Vinci Forensics and Cybersecurity, about the cybersecurity challenges businesses face in today’s remote work landscape. 

Our conversation also covered securing sensitive data and practical steps businesses can take to protect employees from phishing and other cyber threats.

Read on for Sharon’s expert insights on these critical issues.

The Top Cybersecurity Risks of a Remote Workforce

Today, 28% of employees worldwide work remotely, and this figure continues to grow in specific industries. In the technology sector, for instance, 60% of employees now work from home.

Sharon highlighted how the rapid move to remote work, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and advancing technology, has redefined workplaces in the country:

“In South Africa, businesses were not ready or equipped for this sudden move and jump into the future. Companies of all sizes in South Africa are wrestling with the complexities of data security and business continuity as employees connect from a variety of locations.” 

We asked Sharon to share the top cybersecurity risks facing remote teams and her recommended strategies for businesses to tackle them effectively.

1. Weak Endpoint Security

When employees work remotely, they frequently rely on personal devices that may lack essential security measures, making them vulnerable targets. 

Sharon explains, “Unlike corporate-owned computers, which are closely monitored, personal devices may lack frequent updates, antivirus software, and encryption, making them easy targets for cybercriminals.”

The Solution? To improve endpoint security, she recommends:

• Providing employees with company-approved devices or installing security software on personal devices.
• Implementing regular security fixes and updates to keep devices current.
• Using Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools to restrict device access and protect data on remote devices.
• Enabling full-disc encryption to safeguard critical information saved on devices.

2. Insecure Networks

Remote employees often connect through home networks, public Wi-Fi, or co-working spaces, which typically lack the robust security of corporate networks. 

“Unsecured connections leave sensitive information vulnerable to interception or even access by cybercriminals using tactics such as man-in-the-middle attacks. This could be as simple as not changing the router access details at home.“

With IBM estimating the average cost of a data breach in SA at around R53.10 million per incident, businesses can’t afford to have weak network security. 

The Solution? To address network security risks, Sharon suggests:

• Using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to encrypt internet traffic and secure access to company resources.
• Encouraging staff to avoid public Wi-Fi and instead utilise a personal hotspot or VPN.
• Relying on encrypted communication tools to secure internal conversations.

3. Increased Phishing Threats

According to the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), 90% of all cyberattacks begin with some form of phishing—where hackers impersonate trusted entities to gain sensitive information.

This is even more concerning when one considers that remote employees are more susceptible to phishing attacks. Sharon explains, “Employees who work outside the office may be less cautious when opening emails, particularly when multitasking or under pressure, making them great targets for these types of attacks.”

The Solution? The cybersecurity expert recommends businesses take the following precautions to guard against phishing:

• Provide frequent phishing awareness training to staff, teaching them how to identify suspicious emails, links, and attachments.
• Implement email filtering solutions that detect and block questionable communications.
• Foster a culture in which employees feel free to report questionable texts or emails without fear of repercussions.

4. Insider Threats

According to Code42’s 2023 Data Exposure Report, insider-driven incidents cost enterprise organisations an average of $16 million per event. Sharon cautions that the shift to remote work only heightens the risk of insider threats.

“The hazards of insider threats, whether intentional or unintentional, are increased in distant work contexts. Employees may mistakenly disclose sensitive data or use unauthorised applications, putting firm information at risk. Additionally, angry employees may attempt to take advantage of the lack of direct supervision.”

The Solution? To mitigate insider threats, she says firms can:

• Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to limit data access based on job functions.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security while accessing critical systems.
• Utilise modern security analytics technologies, like artificial intelligence and machine learning, to monitor user behaviour and spot any unusual or suspicious activity.

5. Data Leakage

With South Africa’s Information Regulator receiving over 150 breach notifications each month, the risk of data leakage is a growing concern. Sharon points out that data leakage is an often-overlooked risk in remote work setups. 

“Remote employees may share critical information over unprotected channels like personal email, cloud services, or chat platforms,” she explains. “This increases the danger of data leakage, which occurs when confidential information is mistakenly disclosed or accessed by unauthorised parties.”

The Solution? To prevent data leakage, Sharon recommends:

• Restricting employees to company-approved platforms for data sharing.
• Using Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools to monitor and limit the movement of sensitive data.
• Encrypting all data at rest and in transit to prevent interception and reading.

Secure Access to Sensitive Data for Remote Employees

We asked Sharon how companies can ensure secure access to sensitive data for remote employees while minimising breach risks. She emphasised that protecting sensitive data is crucial for maintaining business continuity and safeguarding company assets. 

Here are two techniques she recommends to keep access secure without sacrificing productivity:

1. Implement a Zero Trust Architecture

With remote work, securing access requires a more rigorous approach to trust within networks. Sharon recommends the principles of Zero Trust:

“A Zero Trust approach implies that no one, whether within or outside the organisation's network, is automatically trusted. Every request for access is verified, and tight access rules are enforced; this could be based on the function of the staff member.”

Here are three Zero Trust best practices businesses can easily implement:

• Enforce least-privilege access: Only give staff the essential permissions they need to do their tasks.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA): Apply MFA and strong authentication procedures for all access requests, especially for privileged accounts.
• Monitor user behaviour and network activity: Continuously track for any unusual activity or anomalies that may signal security threats.

2. Secure Your Cloud Environments

According to data from Ermetic and the IDC, vulnerabilities related to access management led to 83% of all cloud security breaches.

That’s why Sharon emphasises the importance of securing cloud environments as businesses increasingly depend on cloud services for remote work. She explains that data stored in the cloud must be carefully protected against unauthorised access and potential breaches. 

Here are her key recommendations:

• Configure all cloud services correctly with tight access controls.
• Encrypt all data saved and processed in the cloud.
• Conduct regular audits of cloud infrastructures to identify potential vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with security requirements.

By following these practices, Sharon notes, companies can better protect their cloud-based data and maintain secure, efficient operations.

Keeping Remote Employees Safe from Phishing and Cyber Threats

Remote employees are exposed to a broader spectrum of cyber threats compared to their office-based counterparts. With limited oversight and diverse network security levels, they become prime targets for cybercriminals. 

As Sharon explains, “Beyond phishing, remote workers confront a wide range of cyber risks, including malware and ransomware. To successfully safeguard against them, businesses should use a multi-layered security approach.”

The cybersecurity expert recommends firms adopt comprehensive security training programs and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools. We break these down in more detail below.

1. Comprehensive Security Training

“Ongoing education is one of the most effective techniques for combating cyber dangers,” says Sharon. However, this is only true if it addresses the latest cyberattack trends, such as phishing and social engineering.

Here are some key training topics to help inform your efforts:

• Identifying phishing attempts: Teach employees to recognise phishing emails, covering various phishing types and techniques.
• Password management best practices: Encourage the use of password managers and emphasise the importance of avoiding reused passwords.
• Verifying sender identities: Stress the importance of confirming sender identities before responding to emails or sharing information, especially for teams handling financial data.

Sharon reminds us that keeping employees informed is essential for a resilient security culture.

2. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Tools

To further protect remote employees, Sharon suggests leveraging advanced tools that offer continuous monitoring and rapid threat response. She highlights the importance of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions, explaining their role in real-time threat management:

“EDR tools provide visibility into endpoint activity, allowing for prompt detection of suspect or unusual behaviour.”  

These tools also automate threat detection and containment, stopping cyberattacks before they spread—and reducing potential damage. 

With tools like Da Vinci Forensics’ EDR, which combines endpoint detection, management, and backup/recovery in a single platform, businesses gain an unmatched, comprehensive security framework.

The Bottom Line  

Sharon’s insights highlight the major cybersecurity challenges that come with managing a remote workforce. While remote work boosts flexibility and efficiency, she emphasises the need for companies to take a proactive approach to security.

Keeping endpoints secure and adopting a Zero Trust architecture calls for a layered strategy—one that brings together technology, policies, and continuous education. 

As remote work becomes a mainstay, businesses must constantly adapt their cybersecurity strategies to stay ahead of evolving threats.

Looking to strengthen your remote security? Kernel Afrika can help you implement the right solutions tailored to your business needs. Connect with us or send an email to info@kernelafrika.com.