Remote work started as the need of the hour for businesses during the pandemic times. But it has come a long way, with companies embracing the model for the long haul. Most organizations are hybrid, and have at least a few employees working from out of the office. But as people access your network from elsewhere, they can always make mistakes that threaten the security of your precious data, applications, and network. A hacking attack is a worst-case scenario that can hurt your revenues, credibility, and reputation. But you can address the risk by following these easy hacks to avoid remote access mistakes.
Implement access control best practices
Whether you have a small remote team or a large one, you must comprehensively monitor the network for unusual activity. It is hardly possible when hundreds of end users are a part of the system. The best way to address a miss-out is by creating custom access roles for your business. It enhances control and visibility, no matter how large the team is. Further, you can implement access control features such as IP address filtering, password management, and defined device groups.
Photo by Dell.
Avoid allowing personal devices
Although letting employees use personal devices for remote access seems cost-effective, it is not the best decision from a security perspective. Personal laptops, tablets, and phones may not be encrypted, so letting employees use them is the worst mistake. They can expose confidential data assets and network connections to hackers and enable them to get in through a weak link.
Ditch a VPN and use a remote access solution
Another mistake you should avoid is letting employees use a VPN to connect to the corporate network. A VPN may not be the safest option because it may threaten your security at some point. Switching to a Remote Computer Access solution is a better alternative. Remote access software is a simple, efficient, and secure option to support workers on shared or open networks. It also enables you to set proper controls on a complex network.
Limit the number of remote access tools
While you may want to use several remote tools to accomplish different goals, it is better to stick with a few tools and consolidate them where possible. For example, you can look for one that bundles security and compliance for your operations. Using multiple tools can lead to complexities as you must follow multiple rules. Moreover, more open firewall ports, updates and patching requirements, and training responsibilities exist. Minimalism keeps you in a better place.
Never permit shared accounts and credentials
Another simple tip is to prevent employees from using shared accounts or credentials. Although the practice is commonplace, it increases the security risk as any user sharing the credentials may compromise shared accounts. The worst part is that detecting the point of intrusion after a data breach is practically impossible. You may never pin down a dishonest employee in your organisation, which continues to be a threat.
Remote access is fraught with risk for a business, but it is also a necessity in current times. You can follow these easy hacks to make the most out of the model while cutting the mistakes and resultant risks.