Intelligent CIO LATAM Issue 37 | Page 47

FEATURE : REMOTE WORKING
3 . Utilise VPNs across the business
With data breaches costing businesses an average of $ 4.45 million in 2023 , it is vital to invest in tools that can cover vulnerabilities .
As a defence against the risks that come with employees accessing work materials via unsafe home and public networks , all workers should be encouraged to use a virtual private network ( VPN ). This software is easy to implement and protects data that could otherwise be vulnerable to attacks over an open network .
4 . Deploy a web application firewall
Alongside using a VPN to protect your connection and traffic , it is prudent to utilise a Web Application Firewall ( WAF ) to protect web applications from attacks .
Employers should deploy an AI / ML based WAF that detects anomalies and blocks illegitimate requests even if they are made through an employee ’ s credentials that were compromised .
5 . Employ encryption software
Encryption software can provide some peace of mind when it comes to the data breach risks of remote working .
Employers should create security policies that ensure all workers , especially remote workers , are aware of
how to encrypt files and when it is necessary – with checks to ensure compliance .
6 . Strict password management
Ensuring strong password management across the business is a key component in minimising the risk of data breaches .

EMPLOYEES CAN

IMPLEMENT ENDLESS SECURITY STRATEGIES , BUT EFFORTS WILL BE

FUTILE UNLESS REMOTE WORKERS FULLY

UNDERSTAND WHAT THE PROCEDURES ARE .

This includes using automatic password generators to create safe and secure passwords and ensuring passwords are unique – not duplicated across multiple accounts . For sensitive data , employees should always implement multi-factor authentication ( MFA ). www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO LATAM 47