What do you do if you want to enhance information security while working remotely?

A secure network is vital. We have to remember, while working remotely we do not have a 100% true secure connection. I'm saying this because organizations focusing on this aspect will have a dedicated desktop on-site running Ethernet or Fiber avoiding Wireless and Bluetooth connections completely. ???? While working remotely though, we can Implement aspects such as: ??Virtual Private Network ??An issued and dedicated computer that is sent to the employee with software installed to protect company assets such as antivirus, EDR, and, more ??biometrics ??Secure password management with physical security Keys such as Yubikey ??and 2FA software

In my extensive experience, a secure remote setup transcends basic tool usage; it demands a holistic approach. While VPNs and dedicated systems are crucial, consider the security of your home network. Start by changing default router settings and using WPA3 security for Wi-Fi. Educate all household members about basic cybersecurity practices to avoid inadvertent breaches. The often-overlooked aspect of physical security, such as locking devices when not in use, also plays a significant role. Remember, security is only as strong as the weakest link.

When it comes to beefing up infosec in remote work scenarios, don't forget about VPNs. They're like your secure tunnel through the wild west of the internet and they're your first line of defense. . Keep your software updated - patches are your armor. And hey, train your team well -

Strong passwords are essential for online Security. They make it much harder for hackers to guess or crack your password, protecting your accounts and personal information. Strong passwords are typically at least 12 characters long and combine upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. While they may seem complex, using a password manager can help you create and store unique strong passwords for all your accounts. also make sure not to reuse your passwords!

?? Not only should you practice secure password Management daily, but it is incredibly important while working remotely. Utilizing a password manager, that can create and use an incredibly long complex password is great. Dashlane, and Proton Password Manager, are a few good examples.???? If you're ever worried that the current passwords that you hold are already compromised, you can run them through a breached username and password data bank. Dehashed is a great one.?? ?? Regardless of that platform, service, or approach to password management, the most crucial is not to reuse the same password, always have a different password that is long, strong, and complex.

I van add that Implementing strong password policies and providing employee education is crucial for maintaining a secure remote work environment. Establish minimum requirements for password complexity and length, and enforce regular password changes. Educate your team about the importance of strong passwords and the risks of password reuse. Encourage the use of password managers and provide resources to help employees create and manage secure passwords. Regularly remind staff about password best practices and update policies as needed to stay current with evolving security threats.

Although highly complex credentials are key points to guarantee the security of connectivity, we must apply the concepts of multiple authentication factors. Through them, we can guarantee the authenticity of a connection call, mitigating various types of failures that may occur, as seen daily in information leaks from various sources that we often consider to be reliable and safe.

Multi-factor Authentication comes in many different forms! A few are: ??Something you know ??Something you are ??Something you have ?? A great practice would be to use a password manager that has a two-factor Authentication and to use a physical Hardware Key ?? such as Yubikey you get into the 2fa OTP application. You can also use the physical Hardware Key on many popular accounts and even to get into your computer itself. This would be an example of something you have.?? Biometrics is also great as well, especially when it comes to mobile devices such as a cell phone. Regardless of the implementation, multi-factor authentication should be an industry standard.

From my viewpoint, MFA should be non-negotiable. However, the real challenge lies in its implementation. User resistance often stems from inconvenience. To combat this, select MFA methods that balance security with ease of use. For instance, push notifications to a smartphone tend to be more user-friendly than entering codes from an authenticator app. Moreover, consider contextual MFA, which adjusts authentication requirements based on risk—reducing the need for MFA steps when the user's risk level is low.

Encrypting data is a crucial security measure to enhance information security while working remotely. Encryption scrambles data into an unreadable format, rendering it useless to anyone who doesn't possess the decryption key. Encrypt sensitive work files, emails, and even entire drives to ensure they remain confidential even if your device is compromised. while all data must be transferred encrypted, we need to assure all sensitive/confidential data are encrypted at rest as well. Also make sure you are using the Secure protocols for encryption.

Encryption is a cornerstone of data protection, yet its deployment must be both strategic and transparent. Educate users on how encryption impacts their workflow and ensure they can perform their roles without hindrance. For instance, implementing encryption at rest and in transit for all sensitive data should be a priority, but this must be done with tools that do not overly complicate or slow down day-to-day operations. Additionally, implement access controls to ensure that only authorized individuals can decrypt data.

Regular backups are essential. They involve creating copies of your critical data and storing them securely on a separate device or cloud storage service. This acts as a safety net in case your primary device suffers any failure, malfunction, or even a cyberattack like ransomware. By having a recent backup, you can minimize downtime and frustration by restoring your data and getting back to normal operations quickly. The frequency of backups depends on your needs, with some opting for daily backups for constantly changing data and others for weekly or monthly for more static information. Regardless of the schedule, regular backups ensure peace of mind and minimize the risk of permanent data loss. Make sure to test your backups regularly!

I believe that, in addition to performing regular backups of all essential and critical files, we must also validate that the backups performed are functional. In many cases, security and infrastructure teams validate the operation of backups through platform visibility, and this is not always the best way. For many reasons a backup may be unavailable or corrupted, and we cannot allow this view to only be generated in a time of crisis, as this could lead to an extremely high disaster.

??Failed a plan, plan to fail?? Staying vigilant starts the moment you touch anything technology-related. This is not just for working from home computers, but this includes your cell phone, an RFID badge for your apartment, a garage door opener, and so much more! Adversaries for malicious intent are growing rapidly, and the best way to prepare for it is to learn and stay up to date on cybersecurity news

My 2 cents : Secure your home Wi-Fi: Change your router's default password and SSID name. Regularly update your router's firmware. Use Privacy Screens: They prevent "shoulder surfing" in public places. Limit Personal Device Use: If possible, use a separate device for work. If not, limit personal use on your work device. Regularly Update Software: Keep all your software and systems updated. Updates often include security patches.

Its important to make sure you're employing the security basics: reasonably hardening assets, good operational resources, and education for staff to overly simplify the requirements. One of the big opportunities here is to evaluate if these steps are being taken in the rest of your organization and if they aren't, then why. This is a massive value add for any remote work change your org makes, and can be a huge selling point for security initiatives your organization has been struggling with getting the political will to move on internally. People who are giving me specifics: VPNs are a way to reasonably hardening network access and encrypting hard drives are reasonably hardening local machines for most critical data access, yes.