Cybersecurity in Remote Work Environments: Challenges and Best Practices

EasyChair Preprint no. 11614

Abstract

The proliferation of remote work arrangements has introduced both opportunities and challenges in cybersecurity. This paper explores the distinct challenges organizations face as they navigate the complexities of securing remote work environments. The decentralization of systems and the diverse array of devices and networks utilized by remote employees significantly expand the attack surface, posing formidable hurdles to traditional security measures. This study delves into the multifaceted challenges, including the heightened risk of cyber threats due to unsecured home networks, the potential vulnerabilities in personal devices used for work purposes, and the increased susceptibility to phishing and social engineering attacks in remote settings. Additionally, the complexities of data loss prevention and management across varied devices and cloud services are scrutinized. Amid these challenges, this paper proposes a comprehensive set of best practices to fortify cyber security in remote work environments. These practices encompass implementing robust authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), advocating for the use of secure networks through virtual private networks (VPNs), and emphasizing regular updates and patch management to mitigate vulnerabilities. It emphasizes the importance of monitoring network activity, having an agile incident response plan, and ensuring the security of collaboration tools and cloud services integral to remote work operations.

Keyphrases: Cybersecurity, Home Network Security, remote work

@Booklet{EasyChair:11614,
  author = {Smith Milson and Baris Altan},
  title = {Cybersecurity in Remote Work Environments: Challenges and Best Practices},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint no. 11614},

  year = {EasyChair, 2023}}