With remote work becoming the norm for many professionals in Pakistan, global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has issued a set of guidelines aimed at empowering remote employees while ensuring data security.
The latest report by Kaspersky highlights that remote employees, from designers to accountants, frequently handle sensitive data, which makes them vulnerable to cyber threats outside the office environment. The cybersecurity guidelines offer essential measures to help employees work securely from home or other remote locations.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of remote workers has increased significantly worldwide. According to Buffer statistics, an overwhelming 98% of employees favor at least partial remote work. However, this shift also brings heightened cybersecurity risks, necessitating a structured approach to data protection.
One of the key recommendations in the guidelines is to separate work-related devices from personal ones. While many organizations have adopted the “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) approach, maintaining a clear distinction between work and personal devices can reduce security risks. Employees should use dedicated work laptops for professional tasks and reserve personal devices for non-work activities like streaming videos, downloading games, or checking personal emails. Additionally, deploying a reliable security solution on personal devices can prevent malware infections and block access to malicious websites.
The guidelines further emphasize the risks of using personal messaging apps or email accounts for work-related discussions. Kaspersky advises employees to rely exclusively on company-approved platforms for communication to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
A major security concern highlighted in the report is the use of third-party software. Employees are advised to download only the applications provided or approved by their organization, as third-party apps can introduce vulnerabilities that cybercriminals may exploit. If additional tools are needed, employees should request them from their employer instead of downloading them independently.
Another crucial recommendation is avoiding public Wi-Fi networks when working remotely. Public networks are often unsecured and can expose sensitive work-related data to cyber threats. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), such as Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection, encrypts data and ensures online activities remain secure from unauthorized access.
The report also stresses the importance of strong password management. Passwords act as the first line of defense against cyber threats, and maintaining their confidentiality is critical. Writing passwords on paper, even if stored in a secure location, is not advisable. Instead, employees should create complex passwords using association methods to make them both secure and memorable.
Seifallah Jedidi, Head of Consumer Channel for META at Kaspersky, noted that while using corporate security systems for work-related activities is essential, securing personal devices with robust cybersecurity solutions is equally important.
As Pakistan continues to embrace remote work, these cybersecurity guidelines serve as a crucial resource for employees, enabling them to operate securely while minimizing the risk of cyber threats.
