Smart Business Cybersecurity Tips for a Virtual Workplace

Posted on November 12, 2020

Working from home is the new normal. 88% of business organizations all over the world mandated or encouraged all their employees to work from home in 2020 in response to the pandemic, according to Gartner. Unfortunately, remote workers are vulnerable to cybercriminals.  An emphasis on business cybersecurity is critical to keep your virtual team protected from cyber threats — and your business safe from harm. 

One of the primary gateways to cyber threats is unprotected public WiFi. Many remote team members are so used to the convenience of free Wi-Fi that they don’t think twice about connecting in hotels, coffee shops, shopping malls, or restaurants. The really, really bad news? Fifty-three percent of those connected can’t tell a secure from a non-secure network.  

And hackers are savvy. They use man-in-the-middle attacks to get people to jump on their signals. For example, using the Wi-Fi name HiltonGuests instead of HiltonGuest could cause unwary users to connect to a malicious hotspot. 

To help you and your team stay protected, we’ve curated some actionable tips to keep your employees safer when browsing remotely. 

1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) 

The number one way to protect your browsing in public or at home is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN will encrypt traffic on employees’ tablets, computers, mobile devices, routers, or even a smart TV. It also hides your location online and provides added security when connected to public Wi-Fi. 

2. Choose a Locked Network 

When choosing a Wi-Fi hotspot, pick one with a lock icon beside it. Hotspots without the icon have zero security associated with them, leaving your data and device at risk. 

3. Carry Your Own Hotspot 

Cellular modem hotspots allow employees to create a secure hotspot anywhere they are located. They contain their own batteries and can provide multiple devices with access at the same time. 

4. Install Browser Add-Ons/Encrypt Your Home Network 

Browser plug-ins and add-ons can force your browser to use encryption on non-encrypted sites. At home, employees should encrypt their personal networks to limit access to their networks and secure their routers. 

Our first choice is to create your own secure online workspace through a VPN, a task that is easily accomplished with the help of a strong managed IT partner

Let RJ Young’s Managed IT Experts Secure Your Remote Team 

Data security is a critical element of business — whether your workforce is in the office, on the go, or working remotely. 

At RJ Young, our team of IT experts can help develop a strategic IT security plan to help protect your employees — and your sensitive corporate data — no matter where they roam.  

Harris Delchamps, RJ Young Technology Solutions Manager

We’ll begin with a comprehensive assessment of your needs, goals, and infrastructure and follow that with a custom-tailored design that will: 

  • Increase your business cybersecurity 
  • Monitor and protect your network, data, and devices 
  • Protect virtual and mobile workers so they can work safely and efficiently, regardless of location. 

We offer a full spectrum of services including security suites, firewalls, virus protection, disaster recovery, routine maintenance, backups, and more. All to keep the burden off your in-house IT department and allow them to focus on mission-critical tasks.

Protect your mobile and remote workers with high-level cybersecurity technologies. Touch base with an RJ Young consultant and learn how our suite of managed services can help boost productivity and reduce the risk of cyberattacks among your workforce. 

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