Remote and hybrid work models are here to stay for many Canadian organizations. While these arrangements offer greater flexibility and productivity, they also open the door to new cybersecurity risks. Employees working from home, in coffee shops, or while travelling may inadvertently expose their organizations to threats through unsecured Wi-Fi, outdated software, weak access controls, or even lost or stolen devices.
Cybercriminals know this and often target remote workers, taking advantage of reduced IT oversight and heavy reliance on cloud-based platforms to infiltrate systems and steal sensitive data. Protecting a distributed workforce requires proactive measures and a shared responsibility between employers and employees.
Here are some key steps organizations can take:
- Use secure connections – Require employees to connect through virtual private networks (VPNs). VPNs encrypt internet traffic, protecting sensitive data from interception on public or unsecured networks.
- Enforce strong authentication – Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to strengthen login security and reduce the risk of unauthorized access due to weak or stolen credentials.
- Provide company-managed devices – Supply employees with IT-managed laptops and mobile devices to ensure consistent security configurations, antivirus protection, and monitoring to reduce malware risks.
- Keep software updated – Regularly apply patches and security updates to all devices. Outdated software is one of the most common entry points for cyberattacks.
- Limit access to sensitive data – Apply the principle of least privilege, granting employees access only to the information they need for their roles. This reduces the potential damage from compromised accounts or insider threats.
- Educate employees – Ongoing security awareness training is essential. Teach staff how to spot phishing attempts, secure their devices, and report suspicious activity promptly—since human error remains a top cause of breaches.
Did you know that 60% of small and medium businesses don’t survive after a cyber attack? Protect your business with Cyber Insurance, call us at 780.424.2727 or click here to get a quote.