The role of VPNs in distributed work: how to protect the data of remote employees
The rapid growth in the popularity of remote work was caused by COVID-19; the pandemic radically adjusted labor relations, "remote work" entered mass use, became part of everyday consciousness. Many companies cannot fully operate without this component. At the same time, a number of cybersecurity issues have emerged; Outsourcing work relationships is fraught with a wide range of security vulnerabilities. Companies are adjusting security strategies to solve problems using VPN.
The growing threat level outside the office
Remote work has opened up new horizons for business, and at the same time, problems have appeared. Let's look at the main cybersecurity threats faced by employees outside the office.
Fishing
Hackers pose as clients, managers, and partners, and send letters on "branded" letterheads. There are many other ways to do this, but the task is the same: to force the client to click on a malicious link from the received message. Remote employees who do not have direct access to IT support are more vulnerable to such attacks. Phishing often leads to more serious problems.: • infection with malicious software; • Data leak; • installation of ransomware. An additional danger is that the user may not be aware of the infection of the digital device for a long time. Unlike corporate office environments with robust security measures, most home networks are not equipped with barriers that stop professional cyber attacks.
Personal gadgets
With the advent of the BYOD methodology ("Bring your own device") Many outsourced colleagues use their personal smartphones and laptops to access corporate systems. These devices may not have the necessary security settings.: 1. Proven firewalls. 2. Updated antivirus software. 3. Encryption. Many remote employees use poorly secured home Wi-Fi connections that are easily hacked by hackers. The danger lies in the fact that know-how worth many billions of dollars can be transferred through household channels. For representatives of industrial espionage, such precedents are a real El Dorado.
The role of VPN for remote work in ensuring SaaS security
The role of VPN for remote work in ensuring SaaS security
In today's world, remote personnel gain access to important business resources from various locations around the world. The work of mobile employees endangers the security of confidential data. Therefore, the role of VPNs for remote employees in the future will be crucial in protecting SaaS operations. VPNs use encryption to protect data transmitted over the internet, especially in SaaS, where most resources are stored in cloud environments. This VPN encryption also prevents unauthorized access to these resources. HiroVPN recently launched a VPN for teams designed specifically for working with remote staff. A single centralized dashboard allows you to manage team access, ensure secure remote connection, and effectively protect online resources and gadgets. VPN for SaaS provides an adaptive connection between the network and end users. Delays and bandwidth issues are eliminated, ensuring a smooth user experience even when accessing resource-intensive SaaS platforms. Such reliability is crucial in remote work environments, and numerous SaaS tools are additionally used.
Ransomware programs
Remote personnel are also a prime target for ransomware attacks. By infecting the device with malicious software, cybercriminals block the company's resources and then demand an unblocking fee. Distributed teams that do not have direct control from IT departments are more vulnerable to unintentional malware installation through phishing emails.
The role of VPNs in ensuring security
The most effective way to protect remote employees from cyber threats is to use virtual private networks. A VPN allows employees to securely connect to the company's internal network via the Internet by creating an encrypted tunnel between their device and the server. The greatest danger occurs when there is an Internet connection through unsecured public or home networks, hackers can intercept: • Login credentials; • Emails; • technical files of the company. For example, HiroVPN encrypts information that cannot be decoded. This technology is necessary for everyone who works in outsourcing mode.
Advantages of HiroVPN (example):
1. VPNs encrypt data, hide the IP address, preventing hackers from accessing. 2. Allow staff to securely access the company's portal. 3. For firms operating in regulated industries, VPNs ensure compliance with protection standards (GDPR, HIPAA). 4. Reliable encryption standards (AES-256) are supported and provide the necessary protection. 5. The settings are simple and intuitive. VPNs play an important role in security and are an essential element of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
Secure tools
Remote work depends on tools like Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams. The programs are convenient and simple, but they are vulnerable and lack good protection. Many companies require outsourced workers to comply with certain regulations: 1. End-to-end encryption. 2. Access control. 3. Regular software updates. 4. Installation of modern antiviruses. 5. Configuring firewalls. Although passwords are often considered a weak link in the security system, they remain a necessary part of most authentication systems. Complex passwords are created and updated regularly.
Professional development
One of the most effective methods is to teach security skills. Outsource workers are often the first line of defense against cyber threats, but they are also the most vulnerable. Regular training of staff in the field of web security will allow many force majeure situations: • phishing emails; • visiting unsafe sites; • downloading questionable software. Each participant in the labor process should be instructed on the following topics:: 1. How to recognize phishing technologies. 2. What is the principle of using secure connections? Many organizations audit their corporate network and use security Information Management (SIEM) tools. When potential threats arise, alerts are sent online. A comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for remote work includes the use of secure collaboration tools, the implementation of MFAs, staff training, compliance with security rules, and conducting audits.
A balance between safety and comfort of use
One of the challenges that businesses face in cybersecurity is striking a balance between security and usability. The company's employees are provided with fairly simple protocols. If the security measures are too complex or time-consuming, employees will look for parallel paths, which will increase the risks.
