How to Ensure Your Employees Network is Secure Remotely

Now that most companies have adapted to hybrid and remote offices, there’s a rising concern about cybersecurity threats. Odds are, you already have some form of an internet security system in place, but is that enough?

The fact is – your employees can work from virtually anywhere with a reliable WiFi network, which makes your company’s IT infrastructure particularly vulnerable.

We understand the concern of running a business from different locations and the plausible digital threats that can emerge from these transactions. LDI works to connect corporations across the US with managed IT solutions, cloud-based communications, and cybersecurity solutions to protect their employees and their business’s information.  

This article seeks to provide insight into operating a business from wherever and how to protect your valuable information if your employees are on an unsecured or unknown network.

What is Network Security, and Why Is It Important?

A computer network is a group of computers connected to communicate information electronically. Networks allow for various devices to transfer data between one another efficiently. 

Network security is a multi-layered defense system that includes policies and processes to monitor and detect unauthorized access. Unwarranted individuals or viruses that gain access to a network can often misuse, steal, or modify said network and resources found on the web. 

Network security can occur through a combination of anti-malware software, firewalls, and hardware devices. These solutions often come in packages containing the right set of software and hardware for your home or business. Network security manufacturers and distributors traditionally include installation and management as well.

A reliable network security system will reduce the risk of exploitation, theft, and data loss.

What Are The Dangers of Working on an Unsecured Network?

It has become second-nature for most of us to hop onto accessible WiFi networks if you’re on-the-go to check your social media accounts, message your friends, and even get some work done. Especially now that many businesses have switched their operations to remote and hybrid work structures, information privacy concerns have skyrocketed.  

The issue is that coffee shops are not investing in network security – so is it best practice to be communicating or working on sensitive business deals from an unsecured network? 

In the most basic terms, no – it is never a good idea to connect to unfamiliar networks while working with sensitive information. There is a distinctive connection between unsecured WiFi and network intrusion.

These systems do not have the security features needed to defend against cybercriminals, and you could be putting your private or business data at risk. 

So, how can your company protect its valuable information if an employee happens to be on an unknown network?

How Do You Secure Your Network?

The best solution in securing your network involves taking precautionary steps. Before you begin working, there are a few easy ways you can check to see if a network is secure. You can also invest in cybersecurity solutions that contain additional protection features ensuring you never have to work from a public WiFi network again.   

Beware of  Unknown WiFi networks

Be sure to check if the free WiFi network you want to use is legitimate. In some instances, hackers will create fake WiFi options in hotspots to deceive individuals into trusting the network. You can also verify the IP address by cross-checking it with the name of the public WiFi. 

If you choose to join a public WiFi network, turn off your file sharing option on your computer. You can do this by going to your system preferences or control panel. 

Use a VPN

Virtual Private Networks or VPNs are the latest trends in cybersecurity technology. They create a secure private network through encryption over a public network.

VPNs mask your IP address on public networks in its simplest terms, allowing you to securely browse the internet, send and receive data, and protect your identity. 

Hackers are unable to read or access any activities you do online when you are using a VPN. Some VPN’s can even hide your physical location – while others VPNs can mask your IP address completely. For example, if you are physically in New York, your VPN could show that you are operating from Australia.

Adapt Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is a security system that requires two forms of identification for access. This type of authentication requests two forms of information from the end-user, such as passwords or PINs. These passwords are often changed frequently to provide additional protection.

Invest in Reliable Cybersecurity Solutions

By investing in reliable firewalls, as well as anti-virus and anti-malware solutions, your business will be well protected. An individual employee can only do so much to double-check that they are secure on a public network. Implementing reliable firewalls and malware protection software will effectively integrate reliable cybersecurity solutions for all. 

More specifically, Malware Protection Software will protect your employee’s devices against ransomware attacks from anywhere at any time while detecting and defending against suspicious activity immediately.

Cybersecurity Solutions for Remote Work

Now that you have some tips and tricks for protecting your valuable information remotely, you may be looking for a cybersecurity solution that provides an extra layer of stability.

Secure your sensitive information by implementing the right cybersecurity solution. LDI offers packages from SentinelOne – an award-winning and leading manufacturer that can connect your employees while safeguarding your business’s data.

SentinelOne is considered next-generation endpoint protection. SentinelOne integrates a cloud-based IoT discovery and control system that enforces dynamic policies to detect your devices’ vulnerability. Once SentinelOne is implemented, your cloud security will go through a safe transformation of your valuable information through secure visibility, file integrity, monitoring, protection, and compliance.

To learn more about SentinelOne or our Managed IT services, get in touch with an LDI representative today!