Best Cybersecurity Practices for Remote Businesses – As we know by now, the coronavirus pandemic resulted in a rather abrupt shift to remote working. In fact, data shows that the number of Europeans working from home jumped from 5% in previous years to 12.3% during the pandemic. But because remote work is a relatively new set-up for many businesses, it’s possible that employers were more focused on improving company productivity and efficiency rather than security.

Remote work has several security risks that could be potentially harmful, such as using unsecured devices, all the way to working on unprotected networks. So if you’re looking to improve your company’s cybersecurity, here are a few Pen testing services and things you can do:

Install a VPN

A VPN, or virtual private network, improves your online privacy. It encrypts any internet traffic so anyone who tries to intercept it won’t be able to access any information. Having a business VPN makes it easier for your employees; they only need to log in instead of obtaining their own VPNs. Just take note that using a VPN can slow down your internet speed. Opt for apps like ExpressVPN, which have high speeds and are extremely reliable, so you can still do high-bandwidth tasks like conference calls. Learn more about all the features and security of the VPN in this ExpressVPN review.

Always update your software and apps

Updates don’t simply add new features and improve existing ones. Though the repetitive notifications may get annoying, these updates are essential as they patch security flaws for vulnerabilities. Otherwise, hackers can exploit your systems to infect your computer or steal important information, such as emails and bank information. If you need to update a program that is used by multiple people in the company, you can schedule it after work hours to lessen interruptions or inform the employees about the expected downtime.

Secure your home network

Home routers should be your first line of cybersecurity. If a hacker gets past that, they can gain access to your unprotected gadgets and information. Routers already come with their own built-in firewalls to prevent unknown breaches, but hackers are still able to infiltrate these systems. For this reason, consider installing a hardware firewall, which often contains a rigid-flex PCB. These kinds of PCBs can fit various components on one board. As a result, it can also take on additional security functions, like intrusion prevention. Rigid-flex PCBs also provide better connection reliability for improved security, as well as flexibility, stability, and low space use that allow for a high-density device population.

Educate yourself on phishing attacks

Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the pandemic to target people using phishing scams. Many of these are designed to exploit a person’s curiosity about pandemic-related news, or to appeal to emotions by pretending to ask for donations. Regardless of the type of scam, clicking on it can unleash malware on your device — allowing cybercriminals to easily hack your system. There are even schemes that lead you to a site that looks credible, asking for personal information like bank accounts. As such, it’s important to educate your employees on how to spot phishing attacks as well.

Use multi-factor authentication

Strong passwords aren’t enough to keep hackers at bay anymore. Nearly half of the UK’s businesses have experienced cyberattacks in a 12-month period, so it’s best to add an extra layer of security to accounts by using multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication involves extra steps such as getting an email or text notification, which contain codes that are needed to log in. At a time when most employees may be working on unsecured home and public networks, multi-factor authentication makes them less likely to be targeted by hackers.

Achieving 100% foolproof security is hard and expensive, but understanding the importance of cybersecurity and being familiar with the different types of threats can help you develop the appropriate measures so that hackers don’t see your company as an easy target.