As we get into the summer, many business owners and employees look forward to a well-deserved break. However, high achievers are known to do a little work on vacation. Unfortunately, studies show that working outside the office, whether on vacation, from a local coffee shop, or even business travelers out on work trips, can lead to significant cyber security issues. If you or your employees plan on answering urgent emails or checking in on projects while on vacation this summer, it's essential to maintain strong cyber security best practices to avoid exposing the company network to hackers preying nearby. In this blog post, we'll cover what cyber security best practices for remote workers must be implemented so that you and your team can get your work done and enjoy your vacation without worrying about a data breach.
Why Cyber
Security Matters While Traveling
For business travelers, the need to stay
connected to the office is a reality of the digital age, and our handheld devices
make it easy. But with this constant connectivity comes an increased risk of
cyber threats. Whether you're using a public Wi-Fi network in the lobby or
accessing sensitive files from your hotel room, you can expose your company to
hackers, malware, and other cyber risks.
Cybercriminals know how this works! They
understand that people are more likely to let their guard down while on
vacation. They know you're more focused on enjoying your time off than ensuring
your devices are secure. This situation makes travelers an attractive target
for cybercriminals, who can use a variety of tactics to compromise your data,
such as phishing emails, fake websites, and man-in-the-middle attacks.
To minimize the risk of a cyberattack while traveling, here are a few best practices to cover with your team:
· Use
A Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your internet connection,
ensuring your data is secure even when using public Wi-Fi networks. Before you
leave, set up a VPN on your devices and use it whenever you're online.
· Keep
Your Devices Updated: Before leaving for vacation, update your devices to the
latest software and security patches. Outdated software can leave you
vulnerable to cyberattacks, so staying current is essential.
· Be
Wary Of Public Wi-Fi: Although convenient, public Wi-Fi networks can be a
hotbed for cybercriminal activity. Avoid using these networks whenever
possible. Yes, that means no checking your email poolside unless you have a
VPN.
· Enable
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Using 2FA adds an extra layer of security to
your accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text
message code or fingerprint scan. Make sure to enable 2FA for all of your
critical accounts before you depart.
· Beware
Of Phishing Attempts: Cybercriminals often target travelers with phishing
emails, which are designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information.
Be cautious of any emails you receive while on vacation, and never click on
suspicious links or download unfamiliar attachments.
· Secure
Your Devices: Physically secure your devices by always keeping them with you
and never leaving them unattended in public places. Additionally, enable
password protection, biometric authentication when applicable, and remote wiping
capabilities in case your device is lost or stolen.
Traveling for business or pleasure doesn't mean you should
compromise on cyber security. Following these best practices can reduce the
risk of a data breach or other cyber security issue while away from the office.
However, it's important to know that these steps aren't infallible. To truly
ensure that your company's cyber security measures are up to par, you need to
work with a qualified IT team that can monitor your network 24/7, patch any
vulnerabilities that pop up (which happen regularly), and can alert you if
something goes wrong.
Tech Tip June 20th:
