Remote work has become a standard practice for many businesses.
However, working outside the corporate office brings new security challenges which requires an understanding of network firewalls.
In this article, we address why firewall security is vital for remote teams and how you can protect your business.
Increased Vulnerability Outside Corporate Networks
When working from home, employees connect to the internet through personal or public networks. These networks are less secure than corporate networks. Without proper firewall security, sensitive company data is at risk. Cybercriminals can easily target these unprotected connections. A strong firewall acts as a barrier, blocking unauthorized access and keeping data safe.
Risks Associated with Unprotected Work Devices
Many businesses rushed to provide devices for remote work during the pandemic. According to various studies, 61% of companies issued devices without new antivirus solutions. Unprotected devices thus are easy targets for malware and hackers, which is why firewalls can prove to be helpful solutions for thwarting potential harmful traffic and preventing unauthorized access. This is crucial for protecting both the device and the network it connects to.
Importance of Maintaining a Security Bubble for Remote Employees
Corporate networks create a security bubble around company data and devices. This bubble includes firewalls, antivirus software, and secure connections. When employees work remotely, they leave this bubble, which is why it’s essential to extend these protections to their remote work environments.
Firewalls can route remote traffic through secure office networks, maintaining the security bubble even when employees are at home. This ensures that sensitive data remains protected, no matter where the work takes place.
How to Implement Effective Firewall Security for Remote Workers?
Create a Secure Connection
- Use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for Secure Connections: VPNs create a secure tunnel between your employees’ devices and the corporate network. This tunnel encrypts all data, making it unreadable to cybercriminals. Using a VPN ensures that even if employees are on a public Wi-Fi, their data remains protected.
- Benefits of Routing Traffic Through Office Firewalls: Routing remote traffic through office firewalls adds an extra layer of security. When employees connect via VPN, their internet activity goes through the same corporate firewall as if they were in the office. This means all the security policies and protections in place at the office also protect remote workers.
- Differences Between Physical and Cloud-Based Network Security:
- Physical Firewalls: These are hardware devices installed in the office. They are effective but can be challenging to manage for remote workers.
- Cloud-Based Firewalls: These provide similar protections but are hosted in the cloud. They are more flexible and easier to scale as your remote workforce grows. Cloud firewalls adapt quickly to changing threats and are ideal for businesses with a significant number of remote employees.
Scan and Secure Email
- Importance of Email Security in Preventing Cyberattacks: Emails are a common entry point for cyberattacks. Phishing emails trick employees into clicking malicious links or opening infected attachments. Implementing email security measures is crucial to protect your network.
- Tools That Can Scan Emails: Technological advancements designed to address email security are vital as they can scan incoming emails for malicious links and attachments. If it detects a threat, it blocks the email and alerts the user. This proactive approach stops many attacks before they can cause harm.
- Best Practices for Staff to Handle Suspicious Emails:
- Be Skeptical: Encourage employees to question unexpected emails, especially those asking for sensitive information.
- Check the Sender: Verify the sender’s email address. Phishing emails often use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones.
- Don’t Click Links: Advise employees to hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. If it looks suspicious, don’t click.
- Report Suspicious Emails: Create a clear process for reporting suspicious emails to the IT department. Quick reporting can prevent the spread of malware.
Remote working is not a phenomenon, it presents itself as a new culture of working which may be a mainstay for years to come. That is why it’s important for companies to correctly implement these strategies and significantly enhance firewall security for your remote workforce. Doing so and continuously staying up to date with the latest technological developments will ensure the protection of sensitive data and fruitful business continuity.