In the corporate world, the threat of a cyberattack is always imminent and should be considered a top business priority. When a workforce is mobile, the risk of cybersecurity threats and breaches can be even higher.
Top Three Cybersecurity Threats For Mobile Workforces
Luckily, the top three biggest cybersecurity threats for mobile workforces are also the easiest to fix and prevent. The three biggest cybersecurity threats for mobile workforces are as follows:
Employees Connecting To Public Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks
It is incredibly convenient for employees to be able to access the Internet while away from the home or office, but connecting to an unsecured wireless access point enables data to be seen and accessed by anyone connected to the same network. Setting up employees to utilize a virtual private network (VPN) rather than public Wi-Fi is an easy, cost-effective way to protect your organization’s data from outside threats. With this setup, an employee’s Internet connection is consistently rerouted and allows for their location and activities to remain anonymous.
User Carelessness
For all employees, but especially for those who work primarily outside the office, using simple passwords, leaving workstations unlocked and unattended, and clicking on suspicious links are all examples of actions that can lead to an unintended data breach. The best remedy for this problem is to incorporate the importance of cybersecurity into the company culture. Mandating regular training sessions, password changes, and strength, and stressing the significance of security goes a long way in helping employees stay vigilant and take responsibility for their actions. Utilizing a mobile device manager is another way to protect proprietary information. These simple and inexpensive applications allow system administrators to monitor devices and remotely wipe company data if they are lost or fall into the wrong hands.
Outdated Software
Staying current with the latest patches and software updates is one of the easiest ways to protect against outside cyberattacks. Technology companies constantly issue updates to address bugs and vulnerabilities, but with a mobile workforce, there is often no one enforcing that employees install new software and keep their systems up to date. However, failure to do so leaves devices at risk of viruses, malware, and other infections that can cause damage and create obvious security holes. Leadership needs to not only set standards for patching and software updates but should also establish a process where employees are held accountable for these updates.
While businesses of all types and sizes are at risk of a security breach or cyberattack, it’s critical that leaders of mobile workforces take additional precautions to keep company data secure. At Hartman, our chief information security officer (CISO) advisors can help you develop cybersecurity strategies that include employee training programs.
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Ready to get started or want to learn more about cybersecurity measures you can implement to protect your business Contact us today to connect with experienced IT and cyber leaders who can assess your current vulnerabilities and move your business in the right direction.