Since the “cultural reset” caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, remote work has been a continuous active concept within the workforce. Employees, both current and future, are desiring to work from the comfort of their homes now more than ever, and although there are various situations that deem remote work more favorable for both the employee and the employer, there is a copious amount of risk that comes with it. Let’s dive in to what those risks entail, and what your business can do to prevent them from occurring.
Security Control Measures
When accessing company data from a remote location, it is critical that the data remains secure above all else, especially when dealing with confidential client information and personal identifiable information. Implementing security control measures provides businesses with the opportunity to be flexible with remote work circumstances while keeping their data/information and systems safe and secure. Use of VPN networks, added layers of multifactor authentication, and endpoint protection are all security control measures that we at American Heritage Insurance Group and The Insurance Connection use in order to maintain a secure network for our remote employee locations.
Cybersecurity Training
Whether working in office or remotely, cybersecurity is critical, and it is the job of every employer to ensure that your employees are properly trained on how to manage it. In the insurance industry, remote employees need cybersecurity training in order to continually be able to protect sensitive data. This includes learning about secure communication tools like encrypted emails and VPNs, spotting and avoiding phishing scams, updating software, and following strong password practices. They also need to understand how to use cloud platforms securely and comply with regulations like HIPAA and GDPR. This training helps keep client information safe and builds trust in the company’s cybersecurity measures.
Use of Home WIFI and Personal Devices
In addition to cybersecurity training, it’s crucial for remote employees in the insurance industry to be aware of the risks associated with using their home WIFI and personal devices for work. While home WIFI networks “may” have passwords, they are often not secure (for example, “Password1234”) and are more vulnerable to hacking, potentially allowing unauthorized access to internal traffic. Even more so, transferring of sensitive data between work and personal devices increases the likelihood of data breaches. Another concern is the inconsistency in software updates on personal devices, which can leave them easier to hack and gain access to. Recognizing and being proactive about these risks is essential to maintaining the security of sensitive information and preventing potential future issues.
Email Phishing
In the insurance industry, phishing emails pose a major risk to both agencies and clients, because they target sensitive client information. To address this threat, insurance agencies must educate employees to recognize phishing attempts tailored to their sector. This includes verifying email addresses, carefully examining links prior to clicking, and utilizing email filters, spam filters, and end point antivirus protection. Regular training sessions focused on industry-specific phishing tactics are crucial in being able to quickly identify and prevent phishing emails before any damage can be done to protect client information.
As remote work becomes more common across all industries, it’s crucial to understand and be proactive about the risks involved. Implementing security measures like VPNs and multifactor authentication, as well as consistent cybersecurity training, is crucial, along with being aware of the risk that come with personal devices and vigilance against email phishing. By understanding and addressing these challenges, your agency can safeguard sensitive data and maintain trust amongst clients and customers in terms of cybersecurity practices.