Cybersecurity Risks of Remote Work and How VPNs Can Help

 

 

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many companies to adopt remote work policies to ensure the safety of their employees. While remote work has its benefits, it also introduces new cybersecurity risks that can put sensitive company data at risk. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the situation by targeting remote workers who may be using unsecured networks and devices to access company resources.

In this context, VPNs can play a crucial role in mitigating the cybersecurity risks of remote work. VPNs can provide a secure and encrypted connection between remote workers and company resources, ensuring that sensitive data is protected from prying eyes. In this article, we will explore the cybersecurity risks of remote work and how VPNs can help protect against them.

Cost of NordVPN Subscription for Mitigating Cybersecurity Risks of Remote Work

One of the cybersecurity risks of remote work is using unsecured networks and devices, which can leave sensitive information vulnerable to cyber attacks. Using a VPN such as NordVPN can help mitigate this risk by encrypting data in transit and providing a secure connection.

How much is NordVPN offers different pricing plans depending on the length of the subscription. The monthly plan is priced at $11.95 per month, while the annual plan is priced at $4.92 per month. They also offer a two-year plan at $3.71 per month and a three-year plan at $3.30 per month. Additionally, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for its services.

While NordVPN pricing can vary depending on the length of the subscription, the added security and protection that a VPN provides can be worth the investment for remote workers who want to ensure the safety and security of their sensitive information.

Unsecured Networks and Devices

• Remote workers may use public Wi-Fi networks to access company resources, which can be easily compromised by cybercriminals.
• Public Wi-Fi networks are notoriously insecure and do not require any authentication or encryption to connect.
• Hackers can intercept data transmitted over unsecured networks, stealing sensitive information such as login credentials, financial data, and intellectual property.
• Remote workers may also use unsecured devices to access company resources, including personal devices that are not adequately secured or company-provided devices that are not properly configured.
• Unsecured devices may not have the latest security updates, antivirus software, or firewalls, making them vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
• To mitigate the risk of unsecured networks and devices, companies can implement security policies and procedures that require remote workers to use VPNs when accessing company resources.
• A VPN can provide a secure and encrypted connection between the remote worker’s device and the company’s network, protecting sensitive data from interception by cyber criminals.

Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks

Another significant cybersecurity risk of remote work is the increase in phishing and social engineering attacks. Cybercriminals may use emails, instant messages, or phone calls to trick remote workers into disclosing sensitive information or downloading malware onto their devices.

Phishing attacks can be particularly effective when remote workers are not familiar with the company’s security policies and procedures. For example, a cybercriminal may send an email that appears to be from a trusted source, such as the remote worker’s supervisor or IT department, asking the remote worker to provide their login credentials or download a software update.

Social engineering attacks can also be used to gain access to sensitive information or company resources. Cybercriminals may pose as a remote worker’s colleague or supervisor and use social engineering tactics to convince the remote worker to disclose sensitive information or perform an action that could compromise the company’s security.

The company should provide remote workers with cybersecurity training and education to protect against phishing and social engineering attacks. This training should include information on how to identify

Data Breaches and Insider Threats

• Remote work can increase the risk of data breaches and insider threats, as remote workers may have access to sensitive information outside of the company’s secure network.
• Data breaches can occur when sensitive information, such as customer data, financial information, or intellectual property, is accessed, stolen, or leaked.
• Insider threats can be particularly dangerous, as they involve a trusted employee or contractor intentionally or unintentionally compromising the company’s security.
• Remote workers may be more susceptible to insider threats, as they may be working in isolation and without the oversight and controls that are in place in a physical office environment.
• To mitigate the risk of data breaches and insider threats, companies can implement strict security policies and procedures for remote workers, such as requiring multi-factor authentication, encrypting sensitive data, and limiting access to sensitive information based on the principle of least privilege.

How VPNs Can Help Mitigate Cybersecurity Risks of Remote Work

• One of the most effective ways to mitigate the cybersecurity risks of remote work is to use a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs create a secure and encrypted connection between remote worker’s device and the company’s network, even when the remote worker is using an unsecured public Wi-Fi network.

Here are some ways that VPNs can help mitigate the cybersecurity risks of remote work:

• Protecting data in transit: When remote workers access company resources over an unsecured public Wi-Fi network, their data is vulnerable to interception by cyber criminals. VPNs encrypt data in transit, making it unreadable to anyone who intercepts it.
• Hiding IP addresses: VPNs hide the remote worker’s IP address, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to track the remote worker’s activity and target them with cyberattacks.
• Providing access controls: VPNs can provide access controls that limit remote workers’ access to company resources based on the principle of least privilege. This means that remote workers can only access the resources that they need to do their job, reducing the risk of data breaches and insider threats.