Due to the ongoing pandemic, many people have to work from home. When employees work with company solutions outside the office, a variety of security threats can arise - often because leaders have not focused enough on security training.

Authorities warned early in the pandemic that we would see an increase in data attacks. Unfortunately, technology alone cannot stop the attacks. Most IT security breaches are related to the users. Therefore, it is extra important to educate the employees in your company about a good security culture.

Phishing Attacks

One of the things we have seen most in the past year is phishing attacks on companies. There has been a significant increase, where attackers often exploit the fear associated with the pandemic. Working from home also means that we do not exercise the same caution as we would at the office desk. Many are at home with children and other family members, and often open emails in situations where their minds are elsewhere. Attackers often pose as authorities or the public health institute, trying to extract information that can create a further way into the company's databases. When reading emails in a situation where a lot is going on around you, it is easy to click on links before understanding the type of email you have received. Therefore, it is very important to be extra careful now - especially when you receive emails from an unknown sender.

CEO Fraud

Attackers have not only posed as public figures or companies but have also attempted a so-called CEO fraud. In this type of fraud, the sender pretends to be the CEO or managing director of the company. In the emails, they often ask for help to purchase something online or provide sensitive information.

There are different tools that can stop these types of emails. We at Procano can offer an AI-based Anti-Phishing protection as a solution.

If you receive a suspicious email on your work email, we would recommend informing your immediate manager. This will increase awareness among your colleagues and make them more conscious of these attacks.

Secure Network

Now that most people are working from home, there are more who feel the need to change their environment and spend time at a cafe, library, or similar locations. It is important that you are cautious about the network you are connected to at that time. Many are unaware that hackers exploit open networks.

Devices that have been connected to a wireless network previously will automatically search for the same network again. Hackers often create copies of wireless networks found in public places. They do this so that your device recognizes the network copy and connects your device to it. When you connect to the network, the hacker has access to your data. It is very easy to be tricked into such a situation.

VPN for Company Network

As a leader in a company, it is important to consider the security of company information when working from home. By setting up an encrypted tunnel between the home office and the company's network, a so-called VPN, the security of the company is ensured. This way, secure access to the company's data and applications is achieved.

The company can also set up a secondary point, a so-called DNS protection, where all traffic from the PC is sent through a central server. This server will control where you are going, to protect the traffic even when working from home.

Up-to-date Equipment

Are you among those who click 'Update Later' when your Mac or PC wants to update? You shouldn't. It is important to follow security updates from the provider, both for the operating system and software. The updates may contain a fix for a previous security vulnerability.

Do Not Download Unknown Software

If you let your children download unknown games or apps on your work PC, it can pose a significant risk to the company. The games or apps may contain malicious software or give criminals access to the company's solutions.

Lastly, the most important tip is to think twice: Stop - Think - Investigate before you click.

Does your company need help with IT security? We at Procano have extensive and good expertise in this area. Contact us for a review of your IT security.