How To Secure Remote Workers

A guide to securing remote workers, including tips for securing remote access, providing secure communication tools, and enforcing security policies for remote workers

As remote work continues to become more common, it’s essential for businesses to ensure that their employees are working securely from wherever they are.

Remote work introduces new security risks, including the use of unsecured networks, unmanaged devices, and the potential for human error. That’s where a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) comes in.

In this article, we’ll explore how MSSPs can help organisations secure their remote workers, including tips for securing remote access, providing secure communication tools, and enforcing security policies for remote workers.

Securing Remote Access

Remote access is the key to enabling remote work, but it can also introduce new security risks if not managed properly. Here’s how an MSSP can help businesses secure remote access:

  • Managed VPN – An MSSP can provide a managed VPN service that ensures secure communication between remote workers and the corporate network. This provides a secure connection that is more difficult for attackers to intercept.

  • Multi-Factor Authentication – MSSPs can implement multi-factor authentication for remote access, adding an extra layer of security beyond just passwords.

  • Managed Remote Desktop Services – MSSPs can provide managed remote desktop services (RDS) that allow remote workers to access corporate resources without having to transfer data to their local devices. This can help to reduce the risk of data breaches if the remote device is compromised.

Providing Secure Communication Tools

Communication is essential for remote work, but it can also pose security risks. Here’s how an MSSP can help businesses provide secure communication tools:

  • Encrypted Email – An MSSP can provide encrypted email services that protect sensitive communications from interception or hacking attempts.

  • Managed File Sharing Services – MSSPs can provide managed file sharing services, such as OneDrive, that allow remote workers to securely access and share files without risking data breaches.

Enforcing Security Policies For Remote Workers

Remote workers are subject to the same security policies as in-office workers, but enforcing those policies can be more difficult when employees are working from home. Here’s how an MSSP can help businesses enforce security policies for remote workers:

  • Develop Clear Policies – An MSSP can help businesses develop clear policies for remote work that define what is and isn’t allowed, and communicate those policies clearly to all remote workers.

  • Security Training – MSSPs can provide regular security training for remote workers to help them understand the risks and best practices for working securely from home.

  • Policy Compliance and Monitoring – MSSPs can use monitoring tools to ensure that remote workers are following security policies, such as restricting access to certain sites or ensuring that software is up-to-date.

Securing remote workers requires a comprehensive approach that addresses remote access, communication tools, and security policies. An MSSP can play a crucial role in helping businesses manage and secure their remote workers. By partnering with an MSSP, businesses can ensure that their remote workers can work securely from wherever they are, and that security is an ongoing process that evolves with the changing threat landscape.

We all want to feel confident that we have taken appropriate measures to protect our organisation and the sensitive data that it holds, be that internal or third-party data, and this can be done most easily by certifying to the Cyber Essentials standard.

By achieving a strong basic foundation of security, such as Cyber Essentials, you can proudly declare your level of protection to stakeholders and other third parties, demonstrating that you take data compliance seriously. In the event that you can become the victim of an attack, you will be better placed to defend your organisation and show that you have taken steps to protect your data, which will have a direct impact when dealing with the authorities during any subsequent investigation.

Achieving certification for Cyber Essentials is a relatively straightforward process, and as an NCSC-assured service provider, TecSec Services can work with you to both implement the necessary controls and can directly certify your organisation.