If the last few years have taught us all anything, it’s just how rapidly life as we know it can change. Now, as the world recalibrates it’s become clear that many business practices and processes have fundamentally altered since 2020. One of these shifts has occurred in the hybrid working space.
Many small and medium-sized companies have begun to consider how to integrate hybrid working into their organisations. However, along with the shift in structure and approaches to where people work, there have also been changes in the tactics and approaches of cybercriminals that need to be taken into account. So how can you keep your business safe while still giving your employees the option to work off-site?
Have a plan
Effective cybersecurity is generally best achieved by having a strategic approach, rather than playing whack-a-mole and only addressing problems as they arise. At some point, doing so will leave a business vulnerable and it will be costly to undo the damage caused by a cyberattack.
When people are working remotely, multiple devices are connecting to a business’ network from many different network sources, including public Wi-Fi hotspots. This can carry high risk. Ideally, if it’s possible, the best approach is to issue everyone with company devices that can be updated regularly and which have security monitoring. Another option is to give people secure portable internet access devices. However, even if people connect with their personal devices on different networks, there are tools and cloud-based services that can be used to increase overall cybersecurity.
Another important thing to prepare for, especially in the South African context, is what to do when there are power cuts. It’s best to make sure your system isn’t vulnerable and that there is continuity and a robust backup system in place when the lights are off.
Don’t leave people behind
Without a doubt, one of the most important cybersecurity defences a business can invest in is cybersecurity awareness training. This focuses on equipping employees to recognise and resist cyber threats. It has become even more important in the world of hybrid working because people are working outside of a shared environment and their employers need to rely on their online behaviours to keep the business safe from harm. Since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant rise in what are termed ‘insider threats’. This means that cybercriminals gained access through people who work at a company, either through phishing or because the employees became lax about following the company's IT policies or protocols in their off-site environment.
You can read more about why we think all businesses, no matter their size, should invest in cybersecurity awareness training here.
Consult the professionals
If this all sounds overwhelming and you’re not sure where to start, it may be worth getting professional help. A good IT service provider will be able to suggest tools that will increase security without hampering people’s productivity.
Get a free risk assessment to see where your business's vulnerabilities lie or get in touch with our expert Numata cybersecurity team.
