publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/1519635
I L T A W H I T E P A P E R | S E C U R I T Y & C O M P L I A N C E 17 S A F E A T H O M E Personal listening devices in an employee's home constantly listen for their wake word and may inadvertently record sensitive corporate discussions or data, raising concerns about data privacy and confidentiality. interest in and demand for technologies like virtual private networks (VPNs), endpoint security solutions, and cloud-based security tools that defend against external threats. Let's first review some of the general cybersecurity dangers that can accompany using home computers for remote work: • Increased vulnerability to cyber-attacks – Remote work environments are more susceptible to cyber threats due to varying levels of home network security. • Unsecured wi-fi networks – Employees may connect to unsecured Wi-Fi networks, exposing sensitive company data to potential interception. • Endpoint security risks – Home computers may lack the robust endpoint security measures present in corporate environments, making them more susceptible to malware. • Phishing attacks — Remote workers are more susceptible to phishing attacks, in which cybercriminals trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or installing malware. • Weak passwords — Using weak or easily guessable passwords increases the risk of unauthorized access to company accounts. Next, let's consider a few of the physical security challenges posed by remote working environments: • Unauthorized access to an employee's computer — Physical access to a remote worker's device can lead to unauthorized use or data theft. • Data privacy concerns — Personal listening devices in an employee's home constantly listen for their wake word and may inadvertently record sensitive corporate discussions or data, raising concerns about data privacy and confidentiality. To conclude, here are some best practices to assist with mapping organizational cybersecurity measures: • Utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service — Require employees to connect to corporate networks through VPNs to encrypt data transmission and establish secure connections, especially when accessing sensitive corporate resources remotely. • Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) — Enforce using MFA to access corporate systems and resources, adding an extra layer of security beyond passwords. This helps mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, even if login credentials are compromised. • Secure Wi-Fi networks — Set strong passwords for Wi-Fi networks and use WPA3 encryption where possible. This assists with preventing bandwidth theft and unauthorized access.